Toll roads are the main choice for motorists who want to reach their destination more quickly and efficiently. However, to ensure safe and comfortable travel, it is important for every road user to obey the applicable signs. Signs on toll roads are designed to keep traffic flowing smoothly and prevent accidents. Ignoring it can have fatal consequences, both for yourself and other road users. Driving on toll roads requires understanding and compliance with existing rules to maintain safety and smooth traffic.
The following are some examples of important toll road rules that you must pay attention to when on the toll road:
One example of the most important toll road rules on toll roads is speed limit signs. Usually, toll roads in Indonesia apply two speed limits, namely minimum and maximum speed limits. Minimum speed limits prevent vehicles from moving too slowly which could disrupt the smooth flow of traffic. Meanwhile, the maximum speed limit keeps vehicles from going too fast, which could increase the risk of accidents.
Motorists must pay attention to written speed limits and adjust vehicle speed according to road and weather conditions. Violations of speed limits can be subject to electronic or conventional fines. Speed limits on toll roads are set not only to reduce the risk of accidents, but also to maintain the smooth flow of traffic. Driving at too low or too high a speed can cause accidents, especially on toll roads which are dominated by high-speed vehicles. In Indonesia, minimum and maximum speed limits vary depending on the location of the toll road:
Urban Toll Roads: The minimum speed is 60 km/h, and the maximum speed is 80 km/h.
Intercity Toll Road: The minimum speed remains 60 km/h, but the maximum speed can reach 100 km/h.
Driving above or below the speed limit may result in penalties, so it is important to always pay attention to posted speed limit signs.
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One sign that is often ignored is the prohibition against stopping carelessly on toll roads. Stopping on the side of the toll road is very dangerous, both for the driver and other vehicles. If you have to make an emergency stop, the driver is required to look for a rest area or pull over on the shoulder of the road and turn on the hazard lights and install a safety triangle. This sign was created to avoid consecutive collisions due to vehicles suddenly stopping in the middle of the lane.
When on a toll road, an example of a toll road rule is that there are signs indicating the division of lanes, each of which aims to keep traffic safe. Obeying these signs helps maintain the smooth flow of traffic and reduces the risk of accidents due to vehicles changing lanes carelessly. Indonesian toll road regulations divide traffic lanes into several zones, which must be used according to their function:
Roadside: May only be used in emergency situations, such as in the event of vehicle damage or an accident.
Left and Right Columns: Drivers who drive at normal speed are advised to stay in the left lane, while the right lane is used for overtaking. Do not use the right lane if you do not intend to overtake the vehicle in front.
Inner or Median Shoulder: May not be used by vehicles, including in emergency conditions, because it functions as a barrier between opposing traffic flows.
Adhering to proper lane use is very important to avoid accidents and maintain smooth traffic.
When crossing a toll road, direction and destination signs really help drivers avoid going in the wrong lane or exiting at an unwanted toll booth. These signs usually provide distance information to several major destinations, so drivers can prepare to change lanes or exit the toll road at the correct gate. Ignoring signs and instructions on toll roads is not only against the law, but also very dangerous. These signs and instructions are designed to help drivers avoid accidents, regulate traffic flow, and indicate important information, such as speed limits, road directions, and exits. Make sure to always pay attention to signs and follow any directions given.
Safe distance warning signs are usually found at several points on toll roads to remind drivers to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. Maintaining a safe distance is very important, especially in rainy or traffic jams, to avoid accidents. Maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is an important rule on toll roads, where vehicle speeds tend to be high. Sufficient distance provides adequate reaction time if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or slows down. It is recommended to follow the rules 2-3 seconds as a safe distance to the vehicle in front, depending on traffic and weather conditions. This is very crucial in preventing consecutive collisions.
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