Yogyakarta (September 24th 2024) – The Graduate School of Gadjah Mada University (SPs UGM), in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Committee, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK) UGM, and the Academic Hospital (RSA) UGM, has initiated a kick-off meeting for important research related to the mental and physical health of drivers in preventing traffic accidents. This research focuses on land transport drivers, both for goods and passengers, with the aim of mapping key factors that affect driver health and developing national health standards applicable on Indonesia’s transportation industry.
During the discussion, several important findings were presented, including the recognition that human error, often triggered by mental and physical health issues, is a major factor in traffic accidents. This research aims to address these issues by mapping the factors influencing the mental and physical health of drivers. Furthermore, it seeks to develop national health standards for drivers that can be applied across all sectors of transportation in Indonesia, providing practical recommendations to support the health and well-being of drivers.
The results of this research will not only benefit policymakers in the transportation sector but also organizations such as the Ministry of Health, BPJS (Social Security Administration), and companies like PT Pertamina Patra Niaga. These findings provide deep insights into the physical and mental health challenges faced by drivers, which can serve as a basis for policy development and practical implementation.
The Dean of the Graduate School, Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of health standards in enhancing road safety and creating a healthy working environment for drivers. “Driver well-being is directly related to their ability to operate vehicles safely. This research aims to establish long-term solutions to protect the health of our transport workers, ultimately contributing to the creation of safer roads.”
This research project also resulted in the signing of a Cooperation Agreement between SPs UGM, the National Transportation Safety Committee, and PT Pertamina Patra Niaga, marking a joint commitment to improving transportation safety across Indonesia. It is hoped that the outcomes of this research will have a significant impact on future transportation policies, providing concrete data on the importance of health checks and safety regulations for drivers in both the public and private sectors.
Author: Arfikah Istari
Editor: Sri Pangesti Tuhu