Contraflow is – Congestion is one of the most common problems we may encounter. Especially in the routes of big cities, it cannot be denied that traffic jams are one of the problems that often occur. Not only on ordinary days, but on special days such as certain days such as Eid Al-Fitr, traffic jams often occur at certain points of the route.
Of course, traffic officers also implement a number of policies that are used to reduce congestion problems that are currently happening. Usually traffic officers will make traffic engineering at certain points.
For example, such as the application of contraflow and one way systems. In Indonesia, the contraflow and one-way systems are still often the solutions applied to avoid congestion at certain points of the route.
So what exactly is contraflow and one way systems and other traffic engineering? Now, for more details, you can read the full explanation in this article.
Definition of Contraflow
Contraflow is a system of engineering or traffic management that is carried out by partially changing the direction of vehicle traffic flow on a road that is experiencing congestion. An example is the road to the east experiencing congested conditions while the route to the west is still so empty.
By using the contraflow system, the traffic officer will decide to take action to break up the road to the east by dividing it into parts of the west lane without the need to completely close the west lane area.
In other words, some motorists heading east are able to pass through the lane heading west without bothering drivers heading west.
Definition of One Way System
In addition to contraflow, there is usually a one-way system implementation on certain route segments. In contrast to contraflow, site one way is a traffic engineering system that is used to change lanes which were originally two-way to one-way.
This one-way or one-way system is implemented to increase road capacity so as to prevent congestion. For example, to reduce the density of vehicles leaving Jakarta, a one-way system will be implemented in the Cikampek toll area. This means that the toll road that previously headed out and headed for Jakarta will be diverted only for vehicles leaving Jakarta.
Difference between Contraflow and One Way System
After knowing the meaning of contraflow and one way system. Next, we will study together what are the fundamental differences between the two traffic engineering systems that are often applied to reduce congestion on certain roads.
The basic difference is in the road use system. Where the contraflow system still leaves a way for the opposite flow. As for the one-way system, when implemented it will close the opposite path or will easily make two lanes into one one-way lane.
In other words, contraflow still has two lanes but with different width capacities. Meanwhile, the one-way system will make the road flow completely one-way.
Tips for Safer Driving on the Contraflow Line
Although basically the contraflow system is used to avoid congestion. However, of course, motorists who use the normal route will switch to the contraflow route, they also have to be more careful and alert.
Because usually the driver’s carelessness can endanger themselves and other motorists. So, there are some tips that you can apply when you are going to use the contraflow route during the trip that is being carried out.
Here is an explanation of some tips that you can use when you are going to use the contraflow route more safely.
1. Find Contraflow Line Information
Before going on a trip, it would be better if you also find out what contraflow is. Apart from that, you also have to find out which lanes will be applied to traffic engineering with a contraflow system .
Knowing the location of the contraflow system path is indeed very important so that there is no misunderstanding of information which results in an accident. Because there are several contraflow lanes that are not equipped with flex cones which are usually used as a sign when there is traffic engineering such as contraflow .
2. Enter More Carefully
Sometimes drivers who are not careful when entering the contraflow lane can cause an accident. Therefore, it is recommended for motorists when moving from the usual lane to the contraflow lane , they must do it together with other vehicles.
If you are forced to move from the normal lane to the contraflow lane independently, then you can try turning on the headlights on the car. This is done as a form of giving a signal to other motorists who are in the opposite direction if the lane used is a contraflow lane .
3. Prepare Several Kilometers Beforehand
Switching from the usual route to the contraflow path must also be carried out with full preparation. The reason is you have to enter the right lane first before entering the kilometer contraflow lane . This is done so as not to disturb the traffic flow of other vehicles.
4. Don’t Use High Speed
In using the contraflow line, you should avoid using high speeds. In addition, you are also required to have enough energy so you don’t get sleepy while driving. What is the condition, safety is a matter that must be prioritized.
5. Focus
Driving on long trips does require high focus and concentration. Losing focus even a little will have the risk of an accident, especially when driving at night. Especially when you enter the contraflow path .
Being alert while driving is a must for motorists. One way to stay focused and not sleepy is to have friends to chat with on the go. You can try asking other people, such as family or friends, to accompany you on the long journey you are taking.
6. Pull over if tired and sleepy
One of the causes of accidents is drowsiness. In fact, when the driver is in a drowsy condition, the risk of an accident is four times higher. Especially if you have entered the contraflow or one way route .
There are several ways to overcome drowsiness such as consuming coffee or chewing candy. But if the body feels tired, try to rest the body for a while. You can try to pull over from the lane slowly so that no accidents occur.
7. Keep a Safe Distance
Keeping a distance from the vehicle in front is an obligation that needs to be carried out by motorists. Make sure there is a safe distance of about 3 seconds in accordance with safety driving rules. However, it should also be noted that there are not infrequently certain moments where riders tend to forget the rules for keeping this distance.
8. Throw Left
On the highway all possible conditions are indeed common. Well, if indeed you are aware that the car in front brakes suddenly or there is a threat from the opposite lane. It is better to avoid turning the steering wheel to the right but to the left.
This is done because the right lane has many vehicles that move dynamically. This can increase the potential for more severe accidents when they occur or bullfights with other vehicles.
9. Select Normal Path
If it’s not forced and it’s an emergency, it would be better if you choose to use the normal route. This is done because the contraflow path is prone to accidents. This advice is also highly preferred for motorists who have traveled long distances with a tired body condition.
Those are some tips for driving on the contraflow route that you can apply to prevent accidents.
Factors Causing Congestion
As explained, contraflow and one way routes are made to break up traffic jams on certain routes. Congestion that often occurs is during the period of homecoming and Bali flows, causing traffic engineering to be made such as contraflow and one way .
There are several causes of traffic jams on holidays such as holidays, especially in Indonesia. Some of the causes of congestion are as follows.
1. Traveling on Weekends
One of the factors that causes congestion during holidays such as holidays is because travelers usually travel on weekends. This is none other than because many travelers want to maximize their vacation time.
Where they deliberately go home during the last days off.
This causes an increase in the volume of vehicles in large numbers. Vehicles in large numbers on average have destinations in big cities such as Jabodetabek. As a result, Jabodetabek toll roads such as Cipali and Cikampek will also experience severe traffic jams on weekends or the last day of holidays.
2. Forgot to Fill in the Balance
The existence of toll road infrastructure is expected to be an alternative route to avoid traffic jams on public routes. However, who would have thought that on the toll road, sometimes on certain days, such as holidays, traffic jams could occur.
One of the factors that causes traffic jams to occur on the toll road is forgetting to top up the balance. This error is considered to be fatal, because there is a warning about filling in the balance at every first gate entering the toll road.
Even now, there are many balance top-up services in rest areas that can be used when drivers experience problems with a lack of balance. However, even though the top up service is available, some drivers do not top up, alias ignore it until they realize the mistake they made while at the toll gate in the middle of their journey or the toll exit gate.
This is what makes the queue at the toll gate even worse because the car in the front position experiences a shortage of balance used to pay toll fees. As a result, traffic jams that can actually be overcome by the existence of toll roads are even worse, the congestion conditions are getting worse.
3. Pushing the Car Too Much
On some roads, there are usually many cars that pull over to the side of the toll road. This is none other than because the condition of the car is overheating . As a result, the outer side of the toll road body cannot be used because it is indeed filled with cars with overheating conditions .
Where cars with overheating conditions need a long rest on the side of the highway so that the car engine cools down again. Actually, the condition of the car overheating can be avoided if the drivers don’t force the car to keep moving.
If indeed some of the rest areas encountered by motorists are closed. Then the only way to be able to rest is to get out of the toll gate. The police have often notified this appeal so that drivers and cars are always in good condition. However, many motorists ignore this warning and cause the car to overheat .
4. Being in the Rest Area Too Long
Each rest area usually has a notification if each car can only stop for a maximum of 30 minutes. However, this warning was not heeded, causing many drivers to stay in the rest area for more than 30 minutes.
The police also often give advice to motorists to get out of the toll road first if they feel they want to rest. The presence of many riders who are in the rest area for more than 30 minutes makes the rest area full.
This makes it impossible for other drivers who want to enter the rest area. As a result, motorists who cannot enter the rest area prefer to stop on the side of the toll road to rest.
This also triggers road narrowing which makes the highway more congested.
5. Vehicles Zig-zag to Cause Accidents
Vehicles moving in an erratic and zig-zag manner are thought to be one of the factors causing traffic jams. In addition, the narrowing of the road can also be a cause of congestion. There are even vehicles that cross other lanes to cause traffic accidents.
Homecoming Tips So You Don’t Get Stuck in Traffic
As explained, the application of traffic engineering such as a contraflow system or a one-way system is carried out to break up congestion. Traffic jams are usually easier to find during holidays.
Now for those of you who don’t know easy tips to avoid traffic jams when driving back and forth. Then the explanation below can easily help you to avoid traffic jams more easily when going home.
1. Use the Right Departure Time
The first tip to avoid traffic jams when going home is to choose the right departure time. Generally, the peak homecoming flow will occur on D-3 before Eid and H+2 after Eid. Of course you can try to choose the hours when the surroundings are still quiet and have minimal traffic jams.
2. Monitor Homecoming Flow Information
When going home, of course, we will get a lot of information about the flow of going back and forth. One of the tips that can be done to avoid the second traffic jam is to monitor information on homecoming traffic.
There are many media that you can use to find out the latest information regarding homecoming, from radio to online media. The existence of information on this homecoming flow will give us information if there is an accident or traffic jam on a route.
This of course will make it easier for us to find a safe path and avoid the existing traffic jams.
3. Prepare Alternative Routes
It’s good if we also prepare alternative routes. Where there is an alternative route, this can be used as an option when one of the paths that must be taken experiences a traffic jam.
4. Prepare an Electronic Card
The existence of toll roads is to break the occurrence of congestion. Where when using toll roads it is also necessary to make payments with electronic assistance. Of course, we as toll road users are also required to prepare an electronic card with a balance filled in. Filling in the balance before entering the toll road is the most appropriate action to avoid congestion.
5. Avoid Using Private Vehicles
The increase in vehicle use compared to road volume is a factor that can cause congestion conditions. Therefore instead of using private vehicles that can increase road congestion. It would be better if we use public transportation modes such as buses, planes and trains.
Those are the reviews about contraflow that you need to know.