Gönül Sağır, who represented mothers grieving the loss of their children in traffic accidents, brought forward several suggestions aimed at reducing the number of fatalities.
Sağır stressed the need to introduce traffic education starting from elementary school and sought the minister’s assistance in integrating it into the school curriculum.
She said that all vehicles should have cameras installed to give a better idea about how accidents happen and to clearly identify who is at fault. Sağır also argued for imposing much harsher penalties on those who break traffic laws, especially for drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Sağır acknowledged that the roads were in poor condition, recognising that significant improvements require long-term planning and considerable funding. However, she highlighted that enhancing traffic education, increasing penalties, and requiring in-car cameras could be achieved with relatively less effort and cost.
ARIKLI: HARSHER PENALTIES AND NEW CAMERA SYSTEMS ON THE WAY
Minister Arıklı stated that initiatives on traffic education have begun and will be expanded nationwide after pilot programmes are launched. He mentioned that the maximum prison sentence for causing a fatal accident has been increased to 14 years, thanks to advocates like Gönül Sağır.
Arıklı also noted that changes in traffic penalties are imminent. Vehicles of drivers with a blood alcohol level above 150 per mil will be seized, and courts will be empowered to revoke driving licences for longer periods. Driving schools will be inspected, and penalties will be increased as part of the legislative amendments.
He pointed out that the current speed detection camera system is not effective, as drivers tend to speed up after passing cameras. The new camera system will not only detect speed but also lane violations, and it will be capable of recording moving images.
Finally, Arıklı emphasised that instead of illuminating all highways, the priority will be to light up intersections. He added that phosphorescent road markings will enhance night-time driving safety.
