Filenews 9 September 2021 - by Michalis Hadjivasilis
The Traffic Police is changing its plans regarding its measures to prevent fatal collisions, following the latest sad data with the repeated deaths of motorcyclists and foreign drivers.
After an analysis of this year's 29 deaths on the roads by the Traffic Department, attention is now turning to three pillars by the end of the year, in an effort to stop the flow of blood on the asphalt:
- Motorcycle drivers
- To foreign drivers residing in Cyprus permanently, and
- Young drivers under the age of 25.
According to an analysis made yesterday at a meeting at the Police Headquarters in the presence of the Minister of Justice, the Chief of Police and those in charge of the provincial teams of the Traffic Police, by the Assistant Director of the Department Harry Evripidou, more than 40% of the victims this year in road collisions are motorcyclists (13 out of 29 dead), while 30% of those who died on the asphalt (seven persons) are foreigners residing in Cyprus, employees or students. At the same time, 30% of the victims are young people under the age of 25, which is why the attention of the Traffic Police will turn to information through enlightening campaigns, lectures and contacts with organized groups.
At the same time, the Traffic Police will readjust its plans to intensify its campaigns on roads where accidents often occur, especially fatal ones, will aim to enlighten motorcyclists and delivery drivers/riders about the dangers on the roads and will even call for the involvement of town halls in the prevention of fatal accidents on the roads. Instructions were also given to the police in each district to emphasize the surveillance of roads on which accidents occur. It remains remarkable that in most fatal accidents, there was an excessive speed factor.
During yesterday's meeting of the Minister with the leadership of the Police and the Traffic Police, the effort made recently, with the intense and daily policing on the roads, to reduce road traffic collisions and their consequences was particularly highlighted. The adoption of modern methods of "smart policing" was also discussed, as well as the conduct of targeted and general campaigns on a nationwide basis, which aim to protect citizens on the road network.
Finally, it was decided at regular intervals, but also whenever this is required, to submit by the Traffic Departments suggestions, which are believed to be able to contribute to the reduction of traffic violations and, by extension, of road traffic collisions.
