Traffic education to be provided to men during military service

Traffic accidents have always been an issue in Turkey. An increasing number of people lose their lives in traffic accidents in the country each year. According to data from the National Police Department’s Traffic Control Bureau, in the first six months of this year there were 147,623 such accidents, resulting in 1,000 fatalities and 95,823 people injured. The state has introduced the new Traffic Safety Strategy and Action Plan to combat unsafe driving in the country. The action plan is expected to be fully implemented by 2015.

One of the measures included in the action plan is for all soldiers and other military personnel to take traffic safety classes during their military service to create widespread awareness about traffic safety. Traffic police will also undergo traffic safety training as part of the action plan.

The action plan also includes a number of other measures such as increased enforcement regarding speed, radar and drunk driving and higher traffic fines that will act as a deterrent.

The Religious Affairs Directorate will also prepare projects to increase public awareness of dangerous driving in the hope that this will decrease casualties and material damage caused by traffic accidents in the future. The Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), the Turkish Radio and Television Corporation (TRT) and other national and local media outlets will work cooperatively to raise public awareness regarding traffic safety. The Education Ministry will also provide traffic safety programs for students at primary, middle and high schools to raise their awareness as well.