Double Standards in Traffic: Why Are Pedestrians Not Penalized for Red Light Violations?

We see the same scene every day on the crowded streets of Istanbul: Pedestrians are diving into the traffic instead of waiting at the red light, some are trying to slalom between cars and cross the road. So why are pedestrians not facing any sanctions while motorcyclists and car drivers are faced with heavy fines for even the smallest infractions?

We see that such violations are prevented with serious penalties thanks to strict controls abroad. However, in Turkey, civilian traffic teams are virtually non-existent in this regard.

There is a Law but No One Enforces It!

Article 68 of the Highway Traffic Law states the rules that pedestrians must follow as follows:

"Pedestrians must walk on a footpath, shoulder or area adjacent to or near the carriageway, except in the cases listed below."

In addition, if there are pedestrian and school crossings, if there are lighted signs for pedestrians at the crossing, it is mandatory to obey these signs. However, according to Article 69, pedestrians who do not comply with these rules must be fined. However, pedestrians who suddenly become well-behaved citizens when seen by the police, disregard the rules in places where there is no control. While drivers are immediately penalized for the slightest mistake, the fact that pedestrians harm the traffic order is ignored.

Traffic Safety Is Not Only the Driver's Responsibility!

The carelessness of pedestrians endangers not only themselves but also drivers. Why is this irregularity, which causes sudden braking, accident risks and chain accidents, still not taken seriously?

Civilian traffic teams should apply deterrent penalties to pedestrians who cross red lights, just like they do to drivers, because traffic is a shared responsibility of everyone, not just cars.

When the rules are not followed, not only drivers but the whole society pays the price.