Mar 30 Driving in Bodrum 101

Driving in Bodrum 101
A reader submitted article

This light, but practical article gives some tips for surviving the roads in Bodrum - whether it's the best way to navigate a roundabout, or over-taking etiquette...

	Turning left There are a few accepted techniques to turn left across the flow of traffic. The most common way is to move across the oncoming traffic and cruise down the left (opposite) side of the road along the hard shoulder against oncoming traffic. The left turn is then made with ease. (Indication and hazard lights optional) Often you will see slower traffic pull over to the right hand side of the road (usually while indicating left), wait there for a gap, and turn left. A good idea in theory, but be cautious passing them. The ‘normal’ way; indicate left, wait in the flow of traffic until it’s safe to turn.
	Middle of the road Especially prevalent in Bodrum with the abundance of pot-holed and badly edged roads. It’s generally acceptable to drive down the middle of the road; especially when the road surface is poor. After a while of driving over here (especially in the winter months), you’ll understand why this is common.
	Flashing lights/beeping • One of the main differences between driving in Europe and driving in Turkey: Flashing of headlights means “I’m coming through”. It does not mean “after you” The horn is usually to create awareness, or to thank someone There is no accepted or reliable way to say “after you"
	Roundabouts Most roundabouts in the Bodrum area have traffic lights, so are relatively safe. However watch out for lane discipline; expect 4 or 5 lanes of traffic to be created where you thought it should only be 2 lanes. If a car is on your right, there is a fair chance it will be turning left. For roundabouts without traffic lights, approach with care, and expect a disregard for right of way.
	Traffic lights A lot of lights in Bodrum have a countdown timer, which can be useful... however it's often just used to aid the jumping of lights. You will often see cars turning right on a red light - don’t - only turn right if the light is green, or there is a flashing turn-left light. Especially during night time, traffic lights on quieter junctions are deactivated leaving just a flashing orange light. Proceed with caution. Traffic lights are sometimes disabled completely - often due to power-cuts or road work. Proceed with caution.
	Dual-carriageways Be careful of junctions on dual-carriageways (e.g. the main Bodrum-Airport road). The fast lane can often suddenly become a turn left lane and have near stationary traffic in it.
	Road-works: Contraflows There are often contra-flows on the Bodrum highways. Unfortunately these usually come with little or no warning. The change to the other side is usually poorly marked, so slow down and proceed with caution. Bollards and traffic cones are a luxury item in Bodrum. Expect roads to be marked with empty plastic containers, or - my favourite; rocks. These 'cones' are placed at large intervals, which can make lane discipline challenging, especially at night.
	Signposting/Directions Signposting in Turkey is poor – although places are well signposted, you often get little warning as the signs are at the junction, rather than before. Don't expect a signpost to lead you the quickest way.
	Junctions – Right of way For badly marked junctions, there’s not much logic (however, legally, traffic from the major road has priority), just proceed with caution and be ready to stop.
	Overtaking While drivers in Turkey are well known for their radical overtaking manoeuvres, some credit must be given to a strange system that seems to work... most of the time. Generally slow vehicles are aware that they are slow; so they keep to the right of the road (rather than hog the road). This allows traffic to (relatively) safely overtake. If you think you fall into that 'slow' category, don't panic, just keep right, and let faster traffic overtake you.
	Hazard lights/signalling All optional at any time. Don't be surprised to see people driving past you with their hazard lights going, they may have a woman giving birth on the passenger seat, but more likely than not they just think they're special.
	Night-time driving Driving at night can be hazardous - road markings are poor, cats-eyes are non-existent, and coming across other vehicles without any lights is common. Try to stick to main roads, or roads which you're familiar with.
	Speed limits: Urban areas: 50kph Rural areas/highway: 90kph Motorway: 120kph Other areas: As Marked
	Accidents: If you have an accident, call the Traffic Police 154 or the Jandarma on 156. Do not move any vehicles involved, despite the level of damage. Special accident report forms need to be signed before anything is moved.