automotive

The Oversight Of Over Dimension Overload (ODOL) Vehicles Must Be Enhanced Through The Utilization Of Digital Technology

Yannes Martinus Pasaribu, an automotive expert from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), advocates for stricter monitoring of trucks that exceed weight limits, commonly referred to as ODOL, with the aid of digital solutions.

"Strengthening the oversight of ODOL vehicles using digital technology in high-risk toll areas is essential," he stated during a conversation with ANTARA from Jakarta on Sunday.

Digital technology is regarded as a more efficient, accurate, and effective means of monitoring vehicles that violate dimensional and weight regulations. This technology enables real-time and remote monitoring, thereby increasing transparency and significantly reducing time consumption.

Various technologies, including sensors, cameras, and weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems, facilitate the automatic inspection of trucks without the need for them to stop, thus alleviating congestion and minimizing wait times at inspection points.

According to the official website of the Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation, accessed on Sunday, WIM is a dynamic weighing device designed to capture and record axle weight and gross vehicle weight while the vehicle is in motion at the measurement site. This facility is touted as a potential solution to the challenges of enforcing ODOL regulations.

The government, through the Ministry of Transportation, is actively engaged in law enforcement; however, ODOL trucks continue to operate on the roads. Yannes points out that this indicates persistent challenges in the implementation of regulations, particularly in areas such as toll roads where early warning technology is needed.

He also emphasizes that some companies disregard ODOL regulations in pursuit of profit, suggesting that the blame should not rest solely on truck drivers.

Data from the National Police's Traffic Corps indicates that the number of accidents on toll roads remains significantly high each year as of October 2024.

In 2022, there were a total of 1,464 accidents resulting in 688 fatalities, 237 serious injuries, and 2,564 minor injuries. This figure rose in 2023, with 1,656 accidents recorded, leading to 704 deaths, 285 serious injuries, and 2,971 minor injuries.

Tag: Digital Technology ODOL Over Dimension Overload