Daftarsbmptn.com – The incident itself occurred on Wednesday afternoon (February 25th), when a black Toyota Calya was driving at high speed through heavy traffic on Gunung Sahari Road. A video of the driver’s reckless actions later went viral on social media. In the video, the car is seen driving in the opposite direction several times, hitting other vehicles, and finally stopping after a crowd surrounded it. Police immediately arrested the driver, identified as HM (25), who was later named a suspect.
Based on preliminary investigations, HM was named a suspect for violating Article 311 of Law Number 22 of 2009 concerning Road Traffic and Transportation (LLAJ). He faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison and a fine of up to IDR 8 million for intentionally driving in a manner that endangered the safety of others. A urine test also came back negative for drugs or alcohol.
Driver’s Motives and Emotional Factors
In his response, Susno Duadji emphasized the importance of understanding the motives behind such extreme behavior. According to Susno, reckless behavior is often not just a technical violation of the road, but also related to the driver’s psychological condition and emotional stress.
“We often see in viral videos that actions like this are driven by fear, panic, or momentary emotional pressure,” said Susno.
He cited the example of the Jakarta case, where the driver likely panicked after realizing the license plate on his car was incorrect or fake a finding uncovered by police during a search. Susno added that this motive is similar to the psychological phenomenon where individuals make impulsive decisions when cornered or afraid of legal consequences.
“People who panic often lose control of their emotions and logic. They no longer consider the safety of others,” he said, highlighting that uncontrolled emotions can be a major trigger for dangerous behavior on the road.
Sanctions and Their Deterrent Effect
Susno further criticized that although the sanctions in the Traffic and Road Traffic Law are strict, the reality on the ground shows a lack of deterrent effect.
“The maximum prison sentence of four years and a fine of several million rupiah is still considered insufficient by some people with impulsive or high-risk mindsets,” he said.
He added that in many cases of serious violations, such as reckless driving or driving against traffic, the lack of consistent education and law enforcement prevents perpetrators from feeling sufficiently fearful of the long-term consequences.
“It’s important to strengthen the legal system so that the public understands that actions like these are not only illegal but can also cost lives,” Susno said.
This viral case itself reflects the persistent weaknesses in traffic enforcement and road safety education. Furthermore, police discovered a number of more serious factors in the perpetrator’s vehicle, including four different license plates, a toy firearm, and two sharp weapons, such as a machete and a dagger. This adds to the complexity of the case because it involves other legal aspects beyond simply reckless driving.
The Need for Stronger Education and Law Enforcement
Susno also emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach. He believes that law enforcement alone is insufficient without supporting early road safety education. He suggested that traffic safety campaigns need to be strengthened, including preventive measures that combine legal, psychological, and public education aspects.
“Driving awareness must be instilled from childhood through formal education and consistent outreach,” said Susno.
According to him, when the public understands the risks and consequences of dangerous behavior on the road, the number of reckless driving cases like this can be significantly reduced.
Meanwhile, the police are continuing to investigate this case to ensure there are no other criminal elements involved in the driver’s actions. Further investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the true motive and whether other parties were involved in this far-reaching incident.