Regarding Fault in Traffic Collisions
When discussing road traffic safety in Turkey, one of the most critical questions is: "Who causes the most traffic crashes?"
The 2024 data provides a very clear answer:
Drivers are the primary actors responsible for 90% of traffic crashes.
This is followed by pedestrians at 8%,
Vehicles at 1%,
and passengers at 1%.
This data explicitly reveals that nearly all traffic crashes are human-induced, and driver behavior plays a decisive role.
Why is Driver Fault So High?
The fact that driver fault holds such a massive share tells us several things:
Even when rules are known, there are serious weaknesses in implementation.
Behavioral issues persist regarding speed, following distance, right-of-way, seat belt use, mobile phone distraction, and fatigue.
Relying solely on "vehicle technology" or "road infrastructure" is not enough; the quality of decision-making by the person behind the wheel is of vital importance.
According to the data, traffic crashes caused by driver fault have increased compared to the previous year. This means that not only is the driver's impact extremely high, but crashes rooted in driver error are also on an upward trend.
The Role of Pedestrians, Vehicles, and Passengers
In the 2024 data:
Pedestrians account for 8% of the fault.
Vehicles and Passengers contribute 1% + 1% respectively.
While these figures do not change the heavy responsibility of the driver, they indicate that pedestrian education, pedestrian crossing safety, public transport discipline, and vehicle maintenance must not be neglected.
Specifically, other risks that complete the chain include:
Unauthorized pedestrian crossings,
Violations of sidewalks and road markings,
Uncontrolled boarding and alighting from vehicles,
Passengers failing to wear seat belts or distracting the driver.
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
2003–2024 Fault Data: Why Has the Driver Ranked First for Years?
In the field of road safety, one of the most important questions is: "Is this a single-year snapshot, or a permanent trend?" Looking at data from just one year is often insufficient; one must examine long-term patterns.
When analyzing the traffic crash fault data between 2003 and 2024, the following distribution emerges:
Drivers rank first as the factor causing total traffic crashes at 94%.
This is followed by pedestrians at 5%,
and vehicle faults at 1%.
These percentages are not just a momentary snapshot; they show that for nearly two decades, the fault in traffic crashes has been predominantly concentrated on the driver.
20-Year Snapshot: The Unchanging Reality
Looking at the 2003–2024 period as a whole:
Although there have been minor fluctuations each year, the backbone of the fault distribution has remained unchanged.
At a dominant rate of 94%, the driver appears to be the weakest link in the system.
While pedestrians rank second at 5%,
Vehicle faults have remained at a low level of 1%.
This table is significant for the following reason: Even though vehicle technology has advanced over the years (ABS, ESP, ADAS, etc.), roads have partially improved, and regulations have tightened, risks centered on human behavior continue to be the primary determinant.
Source: TUİK- Includes those who were injured in a traffic accident, referred to a healthcare facility, and died within 30 days due to the cause and effects of the accident.
Potential Reasons for Persistently High Driver Fault
This high rate, spanning many years, likely results from a combination of several factors:
Inadequate perception of speed and risk: A lack of awareness regarding the dangers of high speeds.
Neglect of "fundamental rules": Frequent disregard for seat belts, following distances, and the use of turn signals.
Distraction: Widespread use of mobile phones and other in-car preoccupations.
Fatigue and Pressure: Irregular work-rest periods, especially under the pressure of time and stress in commercial transportation.
Driver Education Gaps: Training programs that do not sufficiently reflect real-life risk scenarios.
The critical point here is this: The weakest link in the system remains the human element and behavior management.
Conclusion: Statistics Hold Up a Mirror to Us
The fault data from 2003–2024 shows that this is not a one-year "stroke of bad luck," but a persistent behavioral issue.
The long-term totals of:
94% Driver Fault
5% Pedestrian Fault
1% Vehicle Fault
tell us that the real solution lies not just in signs and fines, but in a "road traffic safety culture."
Therefore, the goal should not just be to count crashes, but to transform the system, behavior, and culture together.