Traffic Safety Warning from Expert: Navigation Errors Lead Trucks into Narrow Streets

Retired traffic police officer and traffic safety expert Nihat Şensoy drew attention to the chronic problems experienced in urban transportation and the dangers created by navigation systems. Şensoy stated that truck and lorry drivers, in particular, are forced to enter narrow streets by being misdirected by GPS systems. Emphasizing that no driver would deliberately leave the main road to enter the narrow streets of İzmit, the expert stated that the root of the problem lies in the fact that navigation applications cannot always accurately assess the vehicle class. He added that this situation poses major safety risks not only for drivers but also for local residents. Şensoy argued that while relying on technology, the importance of professional foresight and road markings should not be ignored.

Accidents resulting in heavy-tonnage transport vehicles getting stuck under underpasses were also the focus of the assessment. Reminding that companies conducting such transport must obtain special permits from the General Directorate of Highways, Şensoy stated that the route to be used and bridge heights are specified one by one in the permit documents. However, the expert noted that some drivers set off without obtaining these permits and do not have escort vehicles in front and behind, stating that this situation can lead to serious accidents such as rear-end collisions or vehicles scraping against each other. Emphasizing that although unauthorized transport has penal sanctions, the main goal is to prevent accidents, Şensoy proposed that warning signs indicating bridge heights should be placed at least 100-150 meters before the bridge. Thus, drivers will have the chance to take necessary precautions before arriving under the bridge and before it is too late.

The expert also pointed out a significant deficiency regarding the positioning of pedestrian and school crossing signs. Şensoy stated that pedestrian crossing signs in front of schools are currently often placed right at the point of the crossing, but argued that this is insufficient, asserting that these warning signs should be at least 30 meters back. This way, drivers will be warned in advance while traveling at the designated speed and will have the opportunity to reduce their speed before entering the school zone. Stating that the driver must be ready to brake considering that a student might suddenly step onto the road, Şensoy expressed that this small but vital regulation could prevent potential disasters.

Şensoy also brought up the need to question the deterrent effect of traffic fines, especially on commercial vehicle drivers. Stating that monetary fines are no longer sufficient and the mentality of 'I have money, I will pay' prevails among some drivers, the expert proposed confiscating driver's licenses for certain periods instead of just imposing financial fines. Stating that confiscating the license would be a much more effective sanction by preventing the driver from getting behind the wheel, Şensoy noted that in inspections regarding illegal working hours, drivers are pressured by their employers and even see the fine as an opportunity for a break. He emphasized that if effective enforcement is desired, heavy sanctions must be applied not only to the drivers but also to the company owners and shippers who force drivers to work under these conditions.

Finally, drivers' lack of knowledge regarding the Road Traffic Law No. 2918 was among the criticized issues. Stating that many drivers on the road do not know the basic rules and the situations considered primary fault, Şensoy reminded that learning these rules would take at most 15-30 minutes. The expert stated that drivers who violate rules during their duty cannot even understand the reason for the fines written and do not believe the enforcement is fair, noting that this situation points to a major gap in traffic culture. Furthermore, mentioning a chronic engineering error that has persisted for years at the point known as '500 Varyant' connecting D-130 to D-100 in İzmit, Şensoy drew attention to the fact that vehicles sliding into the opposite lane due to incorrect road grade design constantly invite accidents.