Filenews 23 June 2022
The reduction of road deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, through a series of actions, is the strategic goal for Cyprus, according to the Minister of Transport, Yiannis Karousos. Speaking during a visit to the "Elias Papakyriakou" Camp in Nicosia on the occasion of the Road Safety Week for National Guardsmen: "Go. And come back. We are waiting for you!", he referred to the Strategic Road Safety Plan of Cyprus for the period 2021-2030, noting that the main goal is "to reduce by 50% road deaths and injuries by 2030, following the objectives of the European Union, which has adopted "Vision Zero", with the aim of getting as close as possible to a zero number of road deaths in its territory by 2050".
As noted by Mr. Karousos, in order to achieve the goal of addressing the major social problem of deaths and serious injuries from road collisions, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and the Road Safety Council promote a series of actions and policies concerning legislation, training and examination of candidate drivers, the safety of road infrastructure and vehicles and informing the public.
Speaking about the particularities in the field of road safety that Cyprus presents, the Minister said that "the vast majority of road deaths and serious injuries are recorded on urban roads, while the percentage of road deaths and serious injuries of motorcyclists is extremely high". At the same time, Mr. Karousos said that the main and most serious violations in road traffic rules concern the violation of speed limits, driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances, the violation of the red traffic light, the non-use of a seat belt especially in the rear seats, the non-use of child restraint systems, the non-use of a helmet, the use of a mobile phone without free hands, but also extensive illegal parking. "Another peculiarity is the extremely high rate of road deaths and serious injuries of young male drivers," he noted.
Taking into account all the findings, the relevant stakeholders focused on enhancing information, specifically targeting militiamen as new road users and therefore more prone to road collisions. According to Mr. Karousos, with the central message "Go! And come back! We are waiting for you!", and through a series of actions that encourage the cultivation of proper road behaviour, "we address all militiamen and ask you to return safely after every night or leave, as road safety is the responsibility of all of us".
Minister of Defence: Road safety and conscience are a national priority for the State
In turn, the Minister of Defence reiterated that road safety and road awareness are a national priority for the State, pointing out the need for proper road behaviour to become a daily conscious act and experience of militiamen and young people. "Road accidents are one of the saddest wounds of modern Cypriot society. Almost every day, we witness such incidents that lead to loss of life and to critical and largely irreversible injuries", said Mr. Petrides.
He pointed out the human factor as basic due to road accidents, and stressed that as a national matter, "the confrontation and halting of the unjust and sad loss of young people on the asphalt requires the active participation and cooperation of all of us". Hence, the Ministry of Defence responds to the actions of the Road Safety Council, assuring of its strong will to contribute to the achievement of the desired results.
Referring to the results of a report by the European Transport Security Council, the Minister of Defence noted that Cyprus recorded a 36.5% decrease in road deaths and 55% in serious injuries in the period 2011-2022. "Although the results of the Report can be considered positive and the policies of prevention and enlightenment that they are in the right direction, we still need to further intensify our efforts and do even more so that the percentages are reduced to an even greater extent, until we reach zero results. This, unfortunately, reminds us in the worst way with the increased fatal accidents this month", said Mr. Petrides, reiterating that for the Ministry of Defence the issue of road safety of young people is high on the priorities.
Minister of Justice: Only a few milliseconds are enough to make a fatal traffic collision
In turn, the Minister of Justice, Stefi Drakou noted that, only a few milliseconds are enough for a fatal traffic collision to take place, these few millimetres determine the distance between life and death. "Go. And come back. We are waiting for you!", aiming at the proper information and awareness of the militia on road safety issues, but also at their training, so as to prevent serious and fatal road accidents with the involvement of young people
Stefi Drakou expressed her regret for the increase in the number of fatal road collisions in recent weeks, noting that, "prevention and road safety are some of the most important tools we have in our hands to combat serious and fatal road collisions, which we aim to reduce by 50% by 2030".
In relation to the briefing of the militia, Mrs. Drakou assured that both the Ministry of Justice and Public Order and the Police are in constant cooperation with the National Guard for the training of militiamen through lectures and experiential workshops held nationwide. "This effort is also reinforced with the participation of the Road Safety Ambassadors, which is decisive as they carry messages through their experiences, experiences and knowledge as we saw in both videos prepared by the Road Safety Council", said The Minister, adding that the purpose of all is to sensitize the national guards through the recounting of real stories and to be informed about the alternative options offered by the National Guard for movements.
Addressing the militiamen, Ms. Drakou said that "driving is a privilege for all of us and as drivers we should know that each of us behind the wheel has the responsibility to maintain safety on the road network. For you young drivers, driving is a new experience that I am sure you were looking forward to. By obtaining your driving license, you now feel the independence in your movements without being dependent on your parents." However, the Minister continued, great care is needed so that young people do not get carried away by the excitement and properly assess the risks on the road network.
"Only a few milliseconds are enough for a fatal road crash to take place. These few millimetres determine the distance between life and death. That is why I call on you to protect both you and those around you. The human life, the able-bodiedness and the health of every citizen are priceless goods and especially for you young people who have the whole future ahead of you. So drive with care because someone will always be waiting for you at home", Mrs. Drakou concluded in her greeting.
Also present at today's event were the Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Demokritos Zervakis, the Deputy Chief of Police Mr. Dimitris Demetriou, the Road Safety Ambassadors Mr. Michalis Sofokleous and Mr. Alexis Demetriou, as well as members of the Road Safety Council, the Cyprus Automobile Association, the Road Safety Institute "Panos Mylonas" and the Road Safety Foundation "George Mavrikios".
