Yarkıner: Traffic Fatalities in TRNC Are Six Times Higher Than EU Average

Yarkıner criticized the lack of progress in traffic safety since 1974, stating, “If traffic remains this primitive and unsafe, it’s because we have been in a deathlike sleep on this issue since 1974.”

Yarkıner stressed the need for strategic planning aimed at achieving "zero fatalities" on the roads and reiterated that the MMO is ready to assist in this mission.

In his statement, Yarkıner emphasized the following measures:

• Speed Limits Based on Vehicle Classes: Larger vehicles increase the force of collisions and reduce braking efficiency. Therefore, speed limits should be set according to vehicle classes.

• Road Markings on Mountain Roads: The center lines on mountain roads are incorrect due to the asymmetry of the roads and need to be corrected.

• Identifying and Addressing Road Safety Risks: Authorities must identify road safety risks and place appropriate warnings. If warnings are not provided, the Highways Department may share responsibility for accidents.

• Dikmen-Boğaz Road Risks: Opening the Dikmen-Boğaz road is risky due to its unsafe shoulders, which could lead to fatal accidents. In such cases, both government bodies and drivers would share responsibility.

• Tachograph Requirement for Heavy-Duty Vehicles: Tachographs should be mandatory for heavy-duty vehicles, with a maximum speed limit of 85 km/h.

• Technological Requirements for Imported Vehicles: Vehicles entering the country should be equipped with technology such as pedestrian protection, lane tracking, following distance control, speed limit adherence, and braking assistance. Vehicles should also comply with the manufacturer’s axle load recommendations.

Fatal Accident Rate Six Times Higher

Yarkıner pointed out that the impact of these new measures will take at least five years to be fully seen. However, he noted that similar regulations have already been enacted in both the European Union and Turkey. The lack of such laws in the TRNC allows unsafe vehicles to be imported.

He added that the rate of fatal accidents in the TRNC is six times that of the EU and three times that of Turkey. Yarkıner warned that the increasing number of vehicles and population could lead to even more accidents if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Urgent Need for Traffic Control Systems

Yarkıner also urged the Ministry of Transport to implement systems for monitoring speed and axle weights on main roads. He explained that a 40-ton truck has 6,000 times the impact on road wear compared to a 1,000 kg vehicle.

Furthermore, Yarkıner expressed concern over the employment of inadequately trained workers, who are tasked with driving 30-40 ton vehicles. He also warned against the privatization of vehicle inspection stations, arguing that they should not be turned into profit-driven enterprises.