Traffic accidents ranked high in the list of the cause of fatality in Asia or ranked second after stroke case (Health Sector Review, 2014). In Indonesia, 3 people were killed each hour due to accidents or 5-7 times higher than birth complications, or 50-150 times compared to disasters.
Technology advancement gives rise to the prevention or reduction of possible incidents. High end vehicles are now equipped with sensors, telecommunication network, and Internet of Things. This allows them to communicate with other vehicles, interacting with infrastructure, and receive information from road users that have compatible technology.
The technology in concern is V2I (allowing vehicle to communicate with infrastructure), V2P (road user), and V2X (all). But the current condition of community and ecosystem have yet to support this technology. The V2X technology is predicted to be used massively by 2025, however, countries with low adoption like Indonesia has to wait until 2035. As a matter of fact, with a high rate of accidents, Indonesia needs to immediately adopt this technology.
Following this issue, UGM’s Centre for Transportation and Logistics Studies (PUSTRAL) in cooperation with Toyota did research on traffic safety and potential to apply V2X technology with a case study in the Province of Yogyakarta Special Region. Inviting representatives from local Police and Transportation offices, PUSTRAL presented the research outcomes in a seminar on Tuesday (18/6) at PUSTRAL UGM.
Chang-Yi Luo, Ph.D., research presenter, said the characteristics of roads and accidents in Asia, including Yogyakarta, differed from those in Europe, America, and Japan. He also explained that The future “Connected Car” had yet to adapt to the condition of local roads. But he believed that such technology could actually resolve traffic problems in Yogyakarta.
“Hence, I hope to be able to open collaboration with Yogyakarta on this matter. Yogyakarta will be the start, but the target is to apply nationally,” said the Toyota researcher.
Chang-Yi described that Toyota and UGM would initiate the project of road safety for pedestrians, particularly in school areas. The project would be implemented through educational programme, law enforcement, and technical matters. Finally, recommendation and suggestion would be given.