A Comprehensive Analysis of Road Safety in Sumatera Utara: Challenging Global Standards through the Lens of Local Driving Culture

Abstract

Road safety in Sumatera Utara presents a complex and multidimensional challenge. This study aims to analyze traffic accident patterns in
the region to identify key contributing factors and derive implications for advancing vehicle safety and infrastructure toward international standards. The research employs a multi-faceted methodology, comprehensively exploring the relationship between secondary data, direct observation, and interviews. Quantitative analysis of traffic accident data from 2021 to 2024 was conducted to identify trends and
characteristics of vulnerable vehicles. This analysis was reinforced by in-depth interviews with police investigators and direct observation of road conditions and driving behavior in Medan. The findings reveal an alarming upward trend in accident rates, with the total number of cases rising significantly from 5,616 in 2021 to 6,850 in 2024. Data show that motorcycles significantly dominate accident incidents, involved in over 70% of total cases. Furthermore, accidents involving passenger cars and cargo vehicles in consecutive collisions also contribute substantially to the rising numbers and severity. This vulnerability is rooted in a unique and unsafe driving culture, characterized by reckless behavior, high speeds, and a pervasive disregard for traffic regulations. These factors are exacerbated by situational impulses like being rushed or careless. This culture directly challenges the fundamental assumptions of global safety standards and the effectiveness of modern safety technology. Therefore, improving road safety in Sumatera Utara requires a progressive approach that involves infrastructure improvements, stricter law enforcement, and the adoption of active safety technologies that are adaptive to the local cultural context.