Turkish Minister Calls for ‘Cultural Shift’ as 6,351 Die in 2024 Traffic Accidents

Turkey’s Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed a tragic overview of the nation’s 2024 traffic statistics, announcing that 6,351 people lost their lives and 385,117 were injured in road accidents throughout the year. Calling the situation “a national tragedy,” Yerlikaya urged citizens to unite in building a “true traffic culture” that prioritizes safety and responsibility over carelessness.

In a statement shared via social media, Yerlikaya emphasized that the number of fatalities represented a devastating toll. “This is a massive loss. We must all say ‘stop’ to this. We need to build a traffic culture together,” he said.

Remembering Engin Çağlar: A Symbol of Road Tragedy

Yerlikaya highlighted the recent death of Yeşilçam legend Engin Çağlar, who died after being struck by a motorcycle, as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be on the road. Expressing condolences to the actor’s family, fans, and the Turkish film industry, the minister wrote, “Again a traffic accident, again deep sorrow. The loss of a single life should remind us all how urgently we need to act.”

He added, “Trafikte caydırıcılığı yalnızca ceza sistemi olarak değil, toplumda güvenli yaşam kültürünü inşa eden çok katmanlı bir mekanizma olarak görmek gerekir” — meaning deterrence should be viewed not just as punishment, but as part of a broader effort to build a culture of safe living within society.

A New Law to Change Driver Behavior

Yerlikaya reiterated that upcoming traffic law proposals are designed to reduce accidents, minimize deaths, and promote positive behavioral change among drivers. “The goal of our new traffic law proposals is to prevent accidents, reduce fatalities, and develop a traffic culture by influencing driver behavior positively,” he said.

According to the minister, deterrence is the cornerstone of sustainable road safety. The government’s new legislative efforts will focus on increasing compliance with road rules through stronger deterrents and public awareness campaigns. Yerlikaya stated that reducing rule violations requires not only stricter penalties but also public participation and cultural transformation.

“Every Moment on the Road Matters”

Reflecting on the emotional toll of traffic accidents, Yerlikaya stressed that even a single moment of distraction can have irreversible consequences. “A single lapse in attention can take away a life, a memory, or someone we know,” he noted.

In his closing remarks, Yerlikaya called on the nation to treat traffic safety as a shared moral responsibility: “We all must act now. Building a culture of safety is not optional — it’s vital for saving lives.”