Integrated road safety management system (irsms) as policy innovation and educational strategy for underage child road safety in Kupang city, Indonesia

Abstract

Traffic accidents involving underage drivers remain a pressing public safety issue in Indonesia, particularly in urban areas such as Kupang City. This study examines the effectiveness of the Integrated Road Safety Management System (IRSMS) as both a governance innovation and an educational instrument to reduce accidents among children and adolescents who operate vehicles without meeting licensing requirements. Employing a mixed-method design, the research integrates quantitative analysis of police and hospital records with qualitative insights from interviews with teachers, parents, and community leaders. Findings reveal a significant decline of 18–25 percent in accidents involving underage drivers during the first two years of IRSMS implementation. Quantitative data highlight recurring risk factors, including unlicensed motorcycle use, lack of helmet compliance, and commuting patterns around schools. Qualitative evidence underscores IRSMS’s role in strengthening school-based curricula and community campaigns, making road safety education more relevant through localized accident data. Despite these achievements, challenges persist, including limited infrastructure, incomplete real-time data coverage, and insufficient training for educators and enforcement officers. The study concludes that IRSMS is effective as both a technical system and an educational strategy. Its integration into policy and education offers a replicable model for fostering a sustainable road safety culture across Indonesia.