From InCyprus - local reporter - 23/1/2017
Traffic police across Cyprus began a week-long seat belt campaign on Monday that will specifically target those not buckling up.
“The campaign for seatbelts will continue for all motorists and passengers up until Sunday,” Traffic Police Chief Yiannakis Charalambous told state radio on Monday. “This is the first such campaign of 2017.”
He added: “The non-use of safety belts play a huge role in road fatalities. More than 50% of road deaths are due to people not using seat belts. Some people think that they do not need to use them when travelling short distances like, for example, going to the local shop down the road. That is when many accidents occur. Motorists also need to be aware of not using seatbelts for backseat passengers, especially children.”
Police have already begun radio and television announcements about the dangers of not wearing seat belts.
“Motorists need to be aware of how vulnerable children are in the event of an accident and therefore, need to be properly strapped in.”
According to European figures, safety belts remain the most effective means of protection during a traffic accident along with airbags.
