Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya attended the opening program of the Motobike Istanbul 2025 Fair held at the Istanbul Fair Center and gave important messages about preventing motorcycle accidents. In addition to motorcycle enthusiasts and sector representatives, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül, Gendarmerie General Commander General Ali Çardakcı, and Security General Director Mahmut Demirtaş also attended the fair. This important event became a platform where the steps to be taken to prevent motorcycle accidents were discussed.
Targeted Efforts to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
In his speech at the opening, Minister of Internal Affairs Ali Yerlikaya emphasized that motorcycles are a great source of passion and pleasure, and said, “How do I know this? Because I am also a partner in this passion with you.” However, Yerlikaya, who drew attention to the increase in motorcycle accidents, expressed how important traffic rules are in his presentation with the motto, “One rule, one life.” He stated that complying with traffic rules is of great importance not only for ourselves, but also for other drivers and pedestrians.
Increase in Motorcycle Use in Türkiye and Safety Measures
Minister Yerlikaya stated that the number of motorcycle users has increased rapidly in recent years. Stating that the number of motorcycle users has increased from 6 million to 3,3 million in 6,3 years, he drew attention to the fact that motorcycles constitute one in every 20 vehicles, which is 5% of the total motor vehicles in Türkiye. However, despite this increase, Yerlikaya stated that the number of deaths and accidents has increased and made important warnings to motorcycle users for safe traffic.
Motorcycle Accidents Revealed in Numbers
The Minister of Interior also shared some important data on motorcycle accidents. He said that motorcycles are involved in 2 out of every 1 accidents in Türkiye, that the rate of motorcycles being involved in accidents is 53%, and that the rate of them being involved in fatal accidents is 37,5%. Emphasizing that motorcycle drivers take the most fault in accidents within cities, Yerlikaya stated that in 2019, 44 lives were lost as a result of 729 accidents, and that this number will increase by 866% to 2024 by 37,4, and that the number of deaths will increase by 123%.
Increased Inspections and Traffic Safety
Minister Yerlikaya, emphasizing that traffic inspections have increased in recent years, stated that the number of motorcycle inspections will increase by 2024% in 114. He also stated that there has been a significant increase in not wearing a helmet, driving without a driver's license and compliance with traffic rules. He said that steps such as the use of technology and strengthening inspections with radar will continue to be taken in order to increase safety in traffic.
New Regulations and Penalties Regarding Inspections
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said that the penalties have also been updated in parallel with the increase in inspections. In particular, the penalty for not using a helmet has been determined as 1500 TL for the first violation, 3 thousand TL for the second violation and 9 thousand TL for the third violation. In addition, penalties for high-risk behaviors such as performing acrobatic moves and racing in oncoming traffic have been increased. The arrangements made to increase the deterrence of penalties for those who violate traffic rules such as red light violations and lane change violations are aimed at further ensuring traffic safety.
Young Drivers and the Increase in Motorcycle Accidents
It was also emphasized that young age groups are most affected by motorcycle accidents, and that there is a significant increase in drivers between the ages of 16-30. Minister Yerlikaya drew attention to the fact that drivers in this age group constitute a significant proportion of accidents, and stated that motorcycle users must obey the rules. Stating that it is a great source of sadness for young people to lose their lives in these accidents in the prime of their lives, Yerlikaya stated that all motorcycle enthusiasts must act more responsibly to ensure traffic safety.
In his speech at the Motobike Istanbul 2025 Fair, Minister of the Interior Ali Yerlikaya stated that all precautions, inspections and penalties to be taken to prevent motorcycle accidents are important. He emphasized that motorcycle users must obey traffic rules and that both drivers and other road users must be more careful and responsible for safe traffic. Minister Yerlikaya, who set out with the slogan “One rule, one life, one rule, one life,” hoped that the excitement at the opening of the fair would lead to greater awareness of traffic safety.
