Last week, 80 road traffic accidents occurred across the country, resulting in two fatalities and 24 injuries. Additionally, 253 vehicles were banned from the road, and nine drivers were arrested during traffic checks. Speeding was the leading cause of accidents and offences reported, Yeniduzen reports.
Breakdown of Traffic Accidents
According to the Police Press Office, between 18–24 November:
- A total of 80 traffic accidents were recorded:
- 1 fatal accident, resulting in 2 deaths.
- 16 accidents with injuries, leaving 24 people injured.
- 63 accidents caused damage only.
Causes of Accidents
The main causes of the accidents were as follows:
- 23 accidents due to speeding.
- 18 accidents caused by failure to stop at junctions.
- 16 accidents caused by careless driving.
- 13 accidents from tailgating.
- 10 accidents attributed to other factors.
The total estimated damage from these accidents was 5,288,205 TL
Regional Distribution
The distribution of accidents by region was as follows:
- 27 in Kyrenia (Girne).
- 26 in Nicosia (Lefkoşa).
- 16 in Famagusta (Gazimağusa).
- 6 in İskele.
- 5 in Güzelyurt.
Traffic Enforcement Results
During the same period, 13,459 drivers were checked in police traffic inspections, and 2,525 drivers were reported for committing offences. Legal action was initiated against these drivers.
Actions Taken
- 253 vehicles were removed from circulation.
- 9 drivers were arrested.
Most Common Offences
The offences committed, ranked by frequency, were:
- Speeding: 725 cases.
- Speeding detected by mobile units: 295 cases.
- Driving without a valid road tax certificate: 230 cases.
- Using a mobile phone while driving: 222 cases.
- Failing to obey traffic signs: 151 cases.
- Driving an unregistered vehicle: 85 cases.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol: 73 cases.
- Not wearing a seatbelt: 70 cases.
- Driving without valid insurance or outside policy coverage: 65 cases.
- Careless driving: 56 cases.
- Dangerous driving: 25 cases.
- Driving without proper lighting or ignoring light signals: 24 cases.
- Driving without a valid licence: 17 cases.
- Applying obstructive window film: 17 cases.
- Operating a passenger vehicle without a “T” permit: 13 cases.
- Operating a private goods vehicle without a “B” permit: 9 cases.
- Riding a motorcycle without a helmet: 6 cases.
- Failing to obey traffic lights: 5 cases.
Other offences: 732 cases.