Arıklı: Traffic Penalties to Become More Deterent

Representing mothers who have lost children in traffic accidents, Gönül Sağır requested Minister Arıklı's support for several proposals aimed at reducing fatal traffic accidents. She emphasized the need for traffic education to begin in primary schools and be included in the curriculum.

Sağır also called for the mandatory installation of in-car cameras to better determine the causes of accidents and distinguish between guilty and innocent parties. Additionally, she advocated for more severe and deterrent penalties for traffic violations, particularly for those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Sağır acknowledged the current state of the roads and the extensive planning and budget required to improve them. However, she noted that enhancing traffic education, increasing penalties, and making in-car cameras mandatory would require much less effort and cost.

Minister Arıklı’s Response

Minister Arıklı indicated that efforts to enhance traffic education had already begun, with pilot programs set to expand nationwide. He reminded that the maximum prison sentence for causing fatal accidents had been increased to 14 years, a change influenced by individuals like Gönül Sağır.

Regarding traffic penalties, Arıklı announced that stricter measures would be introduced. Vehicles would be confiscated if the driver’s blood alcohol level exceeded 150 per mille, and courts would have the authority to revoke licenses for extended periods. Changes in legislation would also involve the monitoring of driving schools and the imposition of harsher penalties.

Arıklı criticized the current speed camera system for its ineffectiveness, noting that drivers tend to speed up after passing the cameras. He stated that the new camera system would detect not only speed violations but also lane infractions, with the capability to record moving images.

Lastly, Arıklı highlighted the prioritization of illuminating intersections rather than all roads. He mentioned that phosphorescent road markings would enhance night-time driving safety.