I don't much like being... Yet we experience such events that it's impossible not to “go crazy”... Because before these events, you write articles and issue warnings, and still, unfortunately, nothing changes in this country...
Two months ago, on September 15, 2009, I wrote the following in summary in this very column under the heading “Road In-security”: “... since the lives of other people are in your hands when you are in traffic, you have to respect their right to live.
But are the only people who must respect your right to live in traffic those who share the road with you?
Of course not!
Those who build the road for you have a lot to do here!
THE STATE IS OBLIGED TO ENSURE ROAD SAFETY in a way that respects all its citizens’ right to live!
Let me try to explain what this means with the following questions: How safe do the roads make you feel when you’re out in traffic?
How many times have you narrowly escaped an accident trying to avoid potholes in the roads?
As you navigate dangerous bends, can you see the barriers the state has put up for your safety?
Can you see anything on the roads that you believe was built for your safety?
Does your State, which says it aims to join the EU, know about the ‘European Road Safety Charter’?
How much importance, in your view, does your State place on YOUR ROAD SAFETY on the roads it builds for you?
I don’t want to ask any more questions and upset you further!
But there are people I do want to upset with questions!
Hey, you officials who built and APPROVED these roads, after fatal accidents occurred, did you ever go to the scene and engage in any self-criticism?
Did you ever say, “If we had taken … precautions on this road, this accident wouldn’t have happened”?
How did you sleep that night?
Did you ever hold yourselves responsible for those deaths?”
I wrote these lines just two months ago, and not one person called to say, “Mr. Cem, you say this, but the situation is...” — or was able to call...
And now, would you look at this news, in which we learn that we have lost our deeply cherished teacher, a loss that saddens us all?
“Prof. Dr. Fatma Esin Konanç was traveling from Lefkoşa toward Gazimağusa when she lost control of the car she was driving, registration number 06 PJ 159, near Korkuteli, crossed onto the left side of the road, and FELL OFF A 4-METER BRIDGE WITH NO GUARDRAILS. Esin Konanç died inside her overturned car.”
How can this happen?
What are we supposed to do now about the INSTITUTION that built that bridge there and DIDN’T PUT UP GUARDRAILS?
How could those people, who are responsible and take no responsibility whatsoever, sleep after reading this news?
What kind of country is this?
Just think: perhaps if there had been guardrails there, our teacher would still be alive today.
I can’t believe it...
IT’S AS IF THE STATE IS LYING IN WAIT FOR ITS CITIZENS; as I said, it’s impossible not to go crazy!
So who will answer for this now?
Or who will ask for answers?
Prime Minister Mr. EROĞLU, our minister responsible for this matter, Mr. TAÇOY: have you called those responsible in for a meeting? Have you demanded an explanation?
Or are you still unaware that you are being held responsible for these deaths?
What, was that too harsh?
And is the PAIN of those who have lost their young children, spouses, friends, or teachers because of the people who built these unsafe roads so trivial?
Until Thursday, I hope!
Pay attention to your surroundings, keep them clean, and please be very, very careful on the unsafe roads the state has built for you!