Measures underway for safer traffic next holiday

Following traffic accidents that killed 132 people over the recent Ramadan Bayram in Turkey, some additional measures will be taken upon instructions from Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım in order to avoid further casualties during the upcoming, nine-day Kurban Bayram (feast of sacrifice) from Sept. 1 to Sept. 9.

There will be public service announcements for citizens travelling on the roads, public service advertisements will be prepared concerning traffic accidents, and with the help of posters, flyers and internet ads, public awareness should rise of the risks of the road during the holiday. Students will also be lectured about traffic safety, safety of life and property over the upcoming school year.

Drivers stopped by police will be informed of the reasons for the stop and the procedures. During the inspections the identities of drivers and cars will be checked for terror incidents. Drivers that are observed to be tired will be provided with the opportunity to have a short rest outside of their vehicles during the inspection of their vehicles and related papers.

Roads where there are a high number of accidents will be identified and these dangerous roads will be taken into consideration during inspections, with the first 10 roads on the list being heavily inspected and one patrol being implemented every 10 kilometers. At bus terminals where traffic is heavy, additional patrols will be assigned. Drop-offs and pick-ups will not be allowed except at bus stops, and passengers will be informed about the use of seat belts.

Additionally, a sufficient number of tow trucks and breakdown cranes will be kept on standby in order to respond to possible accidents, while speed monitoring will be done by both stationary and moving vehicles.

Nationwide holidays in Turkey are usually marred by a spike in the number of road deaths despite warnings from the authorities about the dangers of reckless driving. Last year nearly 70 people died on Turkey's roads during the Ramadan holiday.

Most accidents stem from speeding, with people rushing to make it to their destination as soon as possible and begin their vacations.

All members of the National Police Department's traffic department are working throughout the holiday, while police officers from other units are also authorized to inspect cars and motorists.