Road transportation safety is a crucial aspect that must be considered by all parties, including the government, transportation companies, and drivers. One of the main factors that support safety on the road is the physical and mental health condition of the drivers. Good health not only affects the driver’s ability to control their vehicle but also contributes to their response to emergency situations and stress while driving.
In recent years, the number of road accidents has increased significantly. According to data from the Ministry of Transportation, one of the main causes of accidents is the suboptimal physical and mental condition of the drivers. Fatigue, stress, and other health disorders often become avoidable causative factors if drivers have a high awareness of the importance of maintaining their health.
In this context, Universitas Gadjah Mada, involving the Graduate School, Directorate of Research, Directorate of Partnerships and Global Relations, Academic Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, collaborates with the National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), Directorate General of Land Transportation, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, and Rewulu Fuel Terminal to establish national health standards for goods and passenger transport drivers. One example of the efforts being made is educating the general public, including operators, drivers, and the public, about the importance of drivers’ physical and mental health safety.
Road transportation safety is greatly influenced by the physical and mental health condition of the drivers. Therefore, it is essential for drivers to maintain their health by regularly undergoing health check-ups, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and managing stress effectively. The government and transportation companies must also play an active role in raising awareness and providing necessary support for drivers. By doing so, we can reduce the number of road accidents and create a safer driving environment for all road users, aligning with the goals of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.
Tags: Driver Health, Road Transportation Safety, Physical Health, Mental Health, Health Check-Up, Stress Management, Healthy Driving Program, Yogyakarta Department of Transportation; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being; SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities; SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Author: Arfikah Istari