Traffic accidents are currently at a serious level. This accident costs a heavy price in terms of disability and loss of life.
Although the main cause of traffic accidents is said to be driver error, pedestrians' negligence also plays a major role.
Corridor development works have made roads more pedestrian-friendly; however, pedestrians are still seen to be seriously injured by not using the permitted crossings.
Illegal activities such as walking in the middle of the asphalt, not crossing at the designated pedestrian bridge, and so on are also observed.
In his interview with ETV, legal expert and researcher Ato Abdurazzaq Nesru stated that jumping over the roadside barrier and not traveling in the permitted manner can result in legal liability.
Although it is common to hear only drivers being questioned in car accident cases, the expert pointed out that what should be the responsibility of pedestrians should also be raised. Although it is believed that giving priority to pedestrians is appropriate, he also emphasized that pedestrians should respect their obligations when exercising their rights.
He pointed out that the revised and approved Road Transport Traffic Control Council of Ministers Regulation No. 557/2016 regulates traffic violations committed by pedestrians.
He added that the previous law imposed obligations only on drivers and did not prohibit pedestrians.
He explained that under the new regulation, crossing without caution, being in a place allowed for vehicles, moving outside the place allowed for pedestrians, and crossing areas fenced with metal or walls will be punished.
The expert explained that although the fine is small, drivers also have their own responsibility.
Referring to the Criminal Code issued in 1996, if drivers cause an accident and a pedestrian is at fault and loses his life as a result, the penalty imposed on the driver will be reduced.
Therefore, the legal expert explained that pedestrians should respect the law and only travel on the permitted roads to avoid accidents and penalties.
