Since the implementation of more stringent traffic regulations and enhanced enforcement efforts earlier this year, Türkiye has experienced a significant reduction in dangerous driving violations. The modifications to the country’s Highway Traffic Law, effective from February 27, have introduced tougher penalties targeting various offenses that pose serious threats to road safety.
Official statistics reveal a dramatic improvement in curbing dangerous lane-weaving, a risky behavior where drivers frequently change lanes at high speeds in traffic. Between February 27 and May 31 of last year, authorities recorded 47,380 instances of this violation, whereas the same period this year saw only 3,306 incidents, marking a remarkable 93% decrease. This substantial reduction is largely credited to the imposition of stronger penalties and the intensification of road inspections across the nation.
The crackdown has had a positive impact on other traffic violation categories as well. Offenses related to tachographs, which involve the monitoring of driving and rest periods for commercial vehicles, plummeted by 80.2%. Additionally, there was a 55.1% decline in speeding violations. Compliance with police stop orders improved, with violations in this category decreasing by 52.4%. Helmet-related infractions dropped by 36.4%, and the number of cases involving driving without a valid license fell by 33.7%.
Authorities have also reported reductions in other traffic-related offenses, such as wrong-way driving, disregarding traffic signs, red-light running, driving under the influence, and not wearing seat belts. These improvements are part of the government’s broader initiative to enhance road safety, minimize accidents, and safeguard lives and property throughout the country.