In an effort to enhance road safety, Türkiye has seen a dramatic reduction in dangerous driving violations, attributed to the enforcement of stricter traffic laws earlier this year. The amendments to the Highway Traffic Law, implemented on February 27, introduced severe penalties for various offenses identified as major threats to road safety.
One of the most significant improvements was observed in the incidence of dangerous lane-weaving, a practice where drivers frequently change lanes at high speeds. Official statistics reveal a remarkable 93% decrease in such violations, with 3,306 cases recorded from February 27 to May 31 this year, compared to 47,380 during the same period last year. Authorities credit this substantial decline to enhanced penalties and increased nationwide road inspections.
The crackdown has also led to notable reductions in other traffic violation categories. Offenses related to tachographs, which monitor commercial vehicle driving and rest times, dropped by 80.2%. Speeding violations saw a 55.1% reduction, while failures to comply with police stop orders decreased by 52.4%. Additionally, helmet-related infractions fell by 36.4%, and instances of driving without a valid license diminished by 33.7%.
Significant declines were also reported in wrong-way driving, traffic sign violations, red-light offenses, drunk driving, and seat belt violations. These improvements are part of the government’s broader initiatives to enhance road safety, reduce traffic incidents, and better protect lives and property across the country.