A.J. Griffiths-Jones

The statistics for deaths related to traffic accidents in Turkiye is absolutely staggering, yet week after week reports show the numbers climbing as roads become busier and drivers more careless.

One of the worst local roads for fatalities in Aydin is the Soke-Didim road, one that is regularly monitored for speeding by traffic police, yet accidents are still happening, and people are losing their lives.

On a recent trip from Akbuk to Izmir, we decided to take particular notice of drivers making reckless manoeuvres, such as pulling out into oncoming traffic without indication, failing to stop at traffic lights and under-taking on the highway.

Shockingly, we noted that one in three were talking on hand-held mobile phones, therefore, steering with one hand and not fully concentrating. The majority of cars are now equipped with hands-free technology, therefore, there is no excuse.

Many others were exceeding the speed limit, weaving through traffic without a backward glance, obviously in a hurry to reach their destination. However, returning to our own small town later that day, the situation was no better.

Parked drivers opened car doors without looking to see if cars were coming alongside, delivery trucks backed out of driveways unexpectedly and lorries thundered down the main road at an alarming speed.

It’s easy for a foreigner to cast a critical eye over the driving habits of Turkish locals, but you can’t help feeling that the behaviour of some drivers over here should be rewarded with a hefty fine or a day in court.

Where the lives of others are held in a driver’s hands, accountability needs to be taken. Only last week a bus driver fell asleep at the wheel, killing not only himself but several passengers, a fatality that could possibly have been avoided.

Motorcycles and scooters are another cause for concern. Despite a law for all riders to wear helmets, it really does not appear to be implemented, checked or adhered to. Neither does there seem to be an adequate monitoring of roadworthiness, with many lacking working brake lights and suitable tyres.

It only takes one small pothole or slick of oil in a dimly lit street for a motorbike to skid out of control, yet many take this risk every single day by not maintaining their vehicles in a proper condition.

Motorcyclists also seem to take unnecessary risks, finding shortcuts by riding the wrong way down one-way streets, zipping in and out between cars and occasionally riding on the pavements.

Thankfully the General Directorate of Highways has started to take action, with traffic lights being installed at busy junctions, such as the one at the Uslu Sitesi intersection, but it’s very sad that it took the loss of four lives before a meeting on this matter was instigated.

The traffic police are fairly vigilante during the day too, pulling over speeding drivers and issuing fines, but at night there are very few officers around to monitor the situation.

Summer is a particularly dangerous time to be out on the road, with an increased number of holidaymakers and more fresh goods being delivered than in the winter months. Motorised mobility vehicles are on the increase in seaside resorts here too, which can be a danger in itself, with tourists unaware of traffic regulations in Turkiye or inexperienced driving on the opposite side of the road to that of their home country.

Vigilance is key, expect the unexpected and stay alert, one momentary lapse of concentration could cause an injury, either to yourself or someone else and lives might be altered forever.  Something will have to change here, let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later.