The implementation of stricter traffic laws in Türkiye has led to a significant reduction in dangerous driving offenses, thanks to enhanced enforcement measures introduced earlier this year. The revised Highway Traffic Law, which came into effect on February 27, imposed tougher penalties on a variety of offenses deemed hazardous to road safety.
Among the most significant improvements noted was in the category of dangerous lane-weaving, where drivers frequently change lanes at high speeds. Official figures indicate a dramatic 93% drop in these violations, with 47,380 offenses recorded between February 27 and May 31 last year, compared to just 3,306 during the same time frame this year. Authorities credit this decrease to the combination of stricter penalties and increased road inspections carried out across the country.
The stringent measures have also led to notable declines in several other types of traffic violations. For instance, there was an 80.2% reduction in tachograph-related offenses, which involve monitoring the driving and rest periods of commercial vehicle operators. Speeding offenses saw a 55.1% decrease, while incidents of failing to comply with police stop orders dropped by 52.4%.
Additional improvements were observed in helmet-related violations, which fell by 36.4%, and cases of driving without a valid license decreased by 33.7%. Authorities have also reported lower instances of driving the wrong way, ignoring traffic signs, running red lights, drunk driving, and seat belt violations.
The government underscores that these reforms are part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing road safety, minimizing accidents, and safeguarding lives and property throughout Türkiye. By adopting these measures, officials hope to foster a safer driving environment and significantly reduce the risks associated with road travel.