Filenews 9 December 2023
Fatal road collisions have fallen by 23% this year, which is positive for efforts to avoid fatalities on the roads by 2030. If we take into account last year's 18% decrease, which was the largest ever in the death toll, then the overall decrease is very encouraging for all those trying to contain the scourge of fatalities.
According to police data, this year (to date) there have been 26 road collisions with 28 fatalities, compared to 35 fatalities last year and 37 fatalities. If the situation remains as it is throughout December, then we will be talking about the best year in terms of reducing deaths on the roads.
In fact, if one considers that some who died in traffic accidents could be among us if they wore their seatbelt or helmet, the results would be even better.
According to data provided to Parliament by the assistant head of the Traffic Police, Haris Evripidou, mobile phones are responsible for eight of the 26 fatal accidents this year. Also, nine of the 14 victims who were drivers or passengers in vehicles were not wearing seat belts. Also, seven of the 12 motorcyclists killed on the asphalt were not wearing helmets. Of the 26 fatalities that occurred this year, only one was recorded at traffic lights.
The significant decrease in road fatalities this year is attributed to the high compliance of drivers with the Road Traffic Code and the road consciousness gained as a result of the advent of the photo-labelling system. It is estimated that drivers, in order not to be reported by the cameras, do not break the law on the roads, they pay more attention, which has an impact on the reduction of fatalities. Also, the actions of the Police continue with more intensive policing on the streets, with targeted campaigns but also due to the policy that no extrajudicial proceedings can be erased.
It is noted that during the two years of operation of the photo-labelling system, 232,000 extrajudicial fines have been created.
