The Situation in Türkiye and Europe
Road Safety Comparison: Turkey and Europe
According to a report commissioned by the European Commission (which is also reflected in TurkStat data), Turkey had the highest fatality rate among European countries in 2022. The rate of the population affected by traffic crashes in 2022 was 3.45%.
When looking at other European nations, France and Italy recorded the highest number of traffic fatalities on the continent, both exceeding 3,000 deaths. Interestingly, while Germany reports a significantly higher number of traffic crashes than Turkey, its fatalities resulting from these crashes are nearly half of Turkey's total.
Crashes are 2x Higher, Fatalities are 2x Lower
It is a matter of great interest why countries with a higher frequency of traffic crashes report much lower fatality rates. It would be incorrect to attribute this to a single direct factor; instead, a combination of direct and indirect influences must be considered. For instance, according to the
Road Safety Annual Report 2024 (International Transport Forum):
Seat Belt Usage: In Germany, the seat belt usage rate is reported at 99% for front seats and 99% for rear seats.
Vehicle Fleet Age: According to Automotive Information Center statistics, the average age of cars in Germany is 10 years. This figure is 9.3 in Austria and 9.6 in Denmark.
Turkey's Aging Fleet: Turkey's vehicle fleet is significantly older compared to Europe. In Turkey, the average age is 14.2 for passenger cars, 18.1 for trucks, and 24.5 for vehicles such as tractors.
Data Source: TurkStat – Includes individuals injured in a traffic crash and sent to a health institution who passed away within 30 days due to the causes and effects of the crash.
The cause of traffic crashes cannot be attributed to a single factor. In addition to physical elements such as vehicle technologies and infrastructure, social areas such as education must also be developed. At the same time, governments must implement strong policies and legal sanctions that possess a deterrent quality.
Road safety is a phenomenon that requires a collective struggle across many functions, including infrastructure, investment, education, and culture.
This issue cannot be solved with money alone. We must develop education and awareness in the social sphere and instill a traffic culture in our children starting today. This is precisely the mission and purpose of RoadSafetyCultures.
Best regards,