Filenews 16 August 2023
Decrease in road fatalities until August 16 from the previous two years
A significant decrease has been recorded in fatal road collisions from the beginning of the year until today, August 16, 2023 compared to the same period in the previous two years, as Eleni Constantinou, officer of the Communication Branch of the Police Headquarters, told CNA.
In her statements, Constantinou said that from January 1, 2021 until August 16, 2021, there were 22 fatal collisions nationwide with 23 fatalities.
From January 1, 2022 to August 16, 2022, there were 26 fatal road collisions with 28 fatalities.
She added, however, that this year, out of three years, was the best year, since from January 1, 2023 to August 16, 2023, there were 16 fatal collisions with 17 fatalities, which is 10 fewer than last year.
Regarding the percentage of fluctuation in 2022 compared to 2023, Constantinou said that fatal road collisions this year are reduced by 38.5% compared to the same period last year, as well as fatalities in fatal road collisions by 39.3% compared to last year.
Asked about the reduced rate of fatal road collisions and the reason for this, Constantinou said that this is due to "the intensified campaigns undertaken by the Police, together with other competent bodies, to raise public awareness, so that they understand the seriousness of committing traffic offences, as well as to acquire and consolidate road awareness".
She added that the actions of the Police for the prevention of serious road collisions are divided into the direction of prevention and training of all road users and the policing and supervision of the implementation of the Road Traffic Code on the road network.
According to her, road safety seminars and efforts to inform and raise awareness about the provisions of the Road Traffic Code stand out among these actions, through lectures in educational institutions of all levels of education, enlightenment campaigns for professional drivers, as well as foreign drivers who are in our country.
Great emphasis is also placed on policing, with continuous checks for compliance with the Road Traffic Code. The effort, she continued, focuses mainly on the main causes of road collisions, such as driver distraction (use of a mobile phone while driving), speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and not wearing a seat belt or safety helmet.
In addition, Constantinou said that the Police launched a major enlightenment campaign in all districts, in organized groups, groups of citizens, youth centers, places where mainly young people gather, camps, schools, even in Kindergartens and other places of public gathering for the acquisition and consolidation of road consciousness.
The concern of the Traffic Police Departments and the Neighbourhood Police Officers, she said, is to go to school spaces and youth centers, where they give various lectures to children, students and young people. The camps are also being informed about this, with many enlightenment campaigns, she added.
At the same time, Constantinou said that as part of its actions, the Police identify, study and police on a continuous basis dangerous and "black" areas of the road network. At the same time, she pointed out, where and where appropriate, it makes the necessary recommendations and recommendations to the competent bodies. Referring to the implementation of the photo-labelling system and the installation of photo-labelling cameras on the road network, Constantinou noted that this contributed greatly to reducing the commission of traffic offences.
She also said that members of the Police are very active in the media, as well as on social media platforms to inform the public about road safety and the compliance of drivers and road users with the Road Traffic Code.
She added that special emphasis is placed on the Police's Social Media for the promotion of informative and enlightening material on the prevention of fatal and serious road traffic collisions.
CNA
