Off-Road Racers Share Expertise with Turkish Gendarmerie
Mert Becce, a pilot for “Rally Raid Team Turkey,” and national athlete Hakan İsen recently shared their off-road expertise with Turkish gendarmerie personnel operating in challenging climates and terrains. The event took place to enhance safety and public order in areas under the jurisdiction of the Gendarmerie General Command.
Gendarmerie personnel, who operate in diverse geographical areas, utilize various vehicles such as patrol and traffic intervention cars. The primary focus is to ensure safe and rapid arrival at incident sites, reduce accidents, and maintain full control of their vehicles in all stages of driving. The training also aims to enable drivers to respond quickly to external stimuli and use their vehicles correctly in difficult conditions.
At the Gendarmerie Traffic School Command in Bursa, personnel from multiple provinces attended training sessions that include “Safe Driving Techniques.” Becce and İsen met with the trainees, providing guidance and practical demonstrations on navigating slippery surfaces, rugged terrain, and obstacles.
Colonel Ercan Yiğit, Commander of the Gendarmerie Traffic School, noted that the school was established in 2019 and the variety of courses has expanded from three to twenty-four. Chief Warrant Officer Zafer Ersöz mentioned that the training lasts a week and takes all challenging conditions into account.
“The training is designed to teach safe usage of off-road vehicles both on highways and in off-road conditions, thereby preventing traffic accidents,” Ersöz said. He detailed that the courses cover safe driving techniques for various road and weather conditions, vehicle safety systems, general traffic rules, defensive driving, off-road vehicle features, and methods to avoid distractions while driving.
Specific training includes emergency braking on dry and wet asphalt, correct cornering techniques, slalom under distraction, and off-road driving skills like crossing water, mud, sand, and rocky terrains. Participants also learn how to manage tire chains, park in challenging conditions, and select the appropriate driving mode based on road, weather, and terrain conditions.
Ersöz expressed satisfaction with the participation of the national rally drivers, stating that their experience and advice were beneficial.
Addressing the importance of training, Mert Becce emphasized the need for personnel to be well-acquainted with their vehicles. “These vehicles are used on various surfaces and require specific skills for each type of terrain,” he explained. He praised the comprehensive nature of the training program, adding that it significantly reduces accidents and maximizes vehicle performance. “When properly trained, personnel become confident and capable of handling their vehicles in any conditions,” Becce said.
Hakan İsen also acknowledged the importance of these training sessions. “We felt proud seeing the comprehensive training program. It ensures that our personnel are fully equipped and skilled to handle their duties,” he remarked.