Protecting Our Pawed Friends in Traffic
Silent Victims of the Roads
When we talk about road safety, drivers, passengers, and pedestrians usually come to mind. However, there are other residents of the roads who do not know the rules of traffic: Animals. Every year, thousands of stray animals and members of wildlife lose their lives or struggle for survival with permanent disabilities due to traffic crashes.
1.Invisible Statistics: Silent Losses
Millions of animals lose their lives in traffic crashes worldwide every year. Although official statistics in Turkey generally focus on traffic crashes involving material damage or human injury, data from non governmental organizations shows how heavy the picture is.
The Bitter Reality: Research shows that thousands of animals die on highways in Turkey every year. Since most of these crashes are not recorded, it is estimated that the actual figures are much higher.
Permanent Disabilities: More than 70 percent of animals that survive the crash face permanent problems such as spinal cord paralysis, loss of limb, or internal organ damage. For a friend on the street, this means that the chance of survival is almost non existent.
2.Legal Legislation and Responsibilities in Turkey
Hitting an animal is not only a moral responsibility but also a legal one. Legislation in Turkey draws clear lines on this issue:
5199 Animal Protection Law (Article 21): A driver who hits an animal is obliged to take it to the nearest veterinarian or treatment unit or ensure that it is taken there.
Traffic Insurance Coverage: Compulsory Financial Liability Insurance (Traffic Insurance) covers treatment costs in case of hitting an animal. Drivers fleeing the scene for fear of costs is both a legal crime and a violation of a vital right.
Important Note: Leaving an injured animal to its fate is subject to administrative fines and judicial sanctions within the framework of the Turkish Penal Code and related regulations.
3.Where to Apply? Support Mechanisms
When you witness or are involved in the injury of an animal in traffic, follow these steps:
112 Emergency Call Center: You can report injured animal notifications by calling 112.
HAYDI Mobile Application: You can make instant reports via the Animal Status Tracking (HAYDI) application of the General Directorate of Security.
Municipalities: You can request emergency intervention by contacting the directorate of veterinary affairs of the municipality in your area.
NGOs: Organizations such as HAYTAP (Animal Rights Federation) can provide guidance and legal support, especially in large scale cases.
4.Risk Groups by Region
The risk of encountering animals varies according to the geography where the road passes:
Urban Roads Cats, dogs, birds.
Inter City Roads Dogs, wild boars, foxes.
Pasture and Village Roads Livestock (cows, horses), small ruminants (sheep, goats).
Forest and Mountain Roads Bears, deer, roe deer, jackals.
T 14 Traffic Warning Sign
These warning signs are used to indicate that there may be animals on the road and or a section where animals cross and also that there may be dirt and mud on the pavement. These warning signs shall be used in sections where animals cross intensely such as livestock farms, dairies, boar crossing routes and so on, and they should not be used for isolated crossings.
Special Traffic Signs
Especially in urban areas, municipalities and local authorities support both driver safety and the protection of stray animals by positioning special traffic signs on streets and roads where animals live intensely. These types of warning signs ensure that drivers reduce their speed, become more careful and reduce potential crash risks.
Signs containing phrases such as animal crossing, slow down or feeding point highlight the sensitivity of the area and make the traffic flow safer and more controlled. Correctly positioned signs increase the quality of life in the city while making the importance given by local governments to animal rights and the concept of sustainable urbanism visible.
5.Seasonal Threats: "Knock on the Hood!"
We must be careful not only while driving but also while parked.
In Winter: Cats who want to protect themselves from the cold shelter in the hot motor blocks and inside the wheels of newly stopped vehicles.
In Summer: Friends looking for shade may hide under vehicles.
The Rule is Simple: Knock on the hood a few times and check between the wheels before starting your vehicle. This small action can save a life.
6.Safe Behavior Guide in Traffic
We should pay attention to the following behind the wheel to protect our friends:
Speed Limit: Reduce your speed, especially in residential areas and forest crossings. Low speed increases reaction time.
Headlight Use: The eyes of animals reflect light during night drives. Slow down immediately when you see a pair of shining eyes on the side of the road.
Horn Use: Blow short and warning horns to avoid scaring animals and making them run into the road.
Conclusion: The Roads Belong to All of Us
Traffic culture is not just about following rules but about respecting life. As roadsafetycultures.com, we believe that the development level of a society is measured by the value it gives to its silent friends with whom it shares the roads.
Remember, for them, traffic is not a "crash" risk, but a danger passing through the middle of their natural habitats. We can minimize this danger with common sense and attention.
We wish you safe and loving roads!
https://hayvanhastanesi.veterinary.ankara.edu.tr/yaban/
https://www.asayis.pol.tr/haydi-hayvan-durum-izleme-mobil-uygulamasi
https://www.haytap.org/tr/sigortanin-hayvana-olan-zararini-karsilamasi