On the night of February 26, there was a fatal accident on the Kyrenia-Tatlısu main road between kilometres 32-33. Cemre Yönet (30) who was riding a motorbike, lost his life after being hit by a 19-year-old driver who was driving under the influence of alcohol and driving recklessly while joining the main road, Yeniduzen reports.
Grieving the loss of her son, Gönül Sağır, highlighted the inadequacy of current laws, particularly the maximum 7-year penalty for fatal accidents. She stressed the urgent need for legislative change.
Despite knowing that her own loss won’t be affected by these changes, Sağır emphasised the injustice in treating accidents involving alcohol similarly to those without. She advocated for stricter penalties as a deterrent to reckless driving, criticising the ease of obtaining bail for offenders. Sağır’s determination to push for legal reforms stems from her personal tragedy, as she vows to prevent other mothers from experiencing similar pain.
Wrapped in her son’s belongings for comfort, Sağır’s resolve to keep fighting for justice remains unwavering.
On April 16, Kibris Postasi reported that Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that amendments had been made to the Penal Code, significantly increasing penalties for individuals responsible for fatal accidents due to negligence. These amendments had been reviewed and approved by relevant authorities before being presented to the Assembly.
Furthermore, Üstel discussed amendments to the Road Safety Bill, specifically targeting more effective enforcement of alcohol regulations. He outlined measures to increase penalties for drunk driving and refusal to comply with alcohol tests, aiming to deter such behaviour on the roads.
