Driving is improving in Turkey, helped by more experienced drivers and government safe-driving campaigns, but Turkish drivers do some things you may not be accustomed to.
Pay particular attention to all of the following which are common in Ankara, Istanbul and others parts of the country:
—Passing on the right and cutting in front of other vehicles from the right side
—Pulling over to the right and letting vehicles pass before turning left
—Unexpected stops or turns without signaling, for no apparent reason
—Stopping in unexpected locations to pick up or let off passengers by cars, buses and trucks, including main highway entrance ramps, intersections, and along major highways
—Pedestrians seemingly completely oblivious to oncoming traffic who continue to walk or run in front of vehicles to cross streets and main highways
—Trucks parked on the highway at night without lights rather than on the side of the road
—Disabled vehicles parked without warning signs
—Inattentive drivers
—Unskilled drivers
—Taxis and other vehicles with bad brakes
—Unexpected lane changes and stops by taxis, mini-buses (dolmus) and city buses
—Tractors, horsecarts and farm vehicles traveling without lights at slow speed on highways
—In the countryside, the use of stones or tree branches rather than warning signs to mark accidents, breakdowns, and road work
—During rainstorms, accidents increase dramatically because of oil on the road surface
—Road surfaces that are much smoother and provide less traction than normal
—Vehicles backing up (in reverse) on exit ramps and on main highways
—Animals on highways
—In the countryside, watch for herds of sheep, goats and other animals on roads
—Drivers who tend to drive in the middle of the road, making it difficult to overtake them (do NOT overtake on the right, even if there is room to do so)
—Drivers that overtake on blind curves
—At night, cars without lights or lights missing
—Oncoming drivers who flash their headlights whether you have your "brights" on or not
—Tire-shredding potholes
—Tailgating drivers (ie, drivers following too closely)
—Drivers that attempt to pass you while you are passing another vehicle
—Unmarked intersections (ie, no stop signs), primary road has right of way, but proceed with caution
Police Check Points :
In case you are stopped, be prepared to show your passport and driver's license and vehicle registration.
Sometimes vehicles will be waved through once the police see that a foreigner is driving. However, you should never assume you won't have to stop! Make certain you understand the signal the officer is giving to you. If the signal is to stop and you keep going, you may be in serious trouble.
If you are involved in an accident - even when not found at fault - a Breathalyzer or blood test is almost always mandatory. If you are not considered responsible for the accident, positive test results will not be used against you by the police. However, they may be used by an insurance company as grounds to deny an accident claim.
Jandarma (Gendarme, paramilitary police) checkpoints at night is to turn on the vehicle's inside lights and dim the headlights while stopping for inspection. If your vehicle has tinted glass, roll down the driver's side window. This makes it easier for soldiers to safely identify and check the vehicle and its occupants. During this type of inspection, remain calm, do not make any quick movements and obey instructions.Jandarma does have regular check points mostly in rural areas.
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