Filenews 17 February 2026
Cyprus recorded 44 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, slightly better than the EU average (45), according to data from the Commission and its services working document. According to the data cited by the Commission, Cyprus ranks 14th among the 27 member states.
As reported, most deaths concern motorized two-wheeler drivers and people aged 18 to 24, while the vast majority of deaths and serious injuries occurred in urban areas.
More specifically, according to the data of the period 2017-2019, 63.5% of deaths and 80% of serious injuries occurred in urban areas, mainly due to speeding. Deaths of motorcyclists and moped drivers amounted to 31.4%, pedestrian deaths to 23.5%, deaths of young people up to 24 years old to 26.1% and deaths of foreigners to 27.3%. In 2022, motorized two-wheelers accounted for 19% of deaths and 18% of serious injuries.
At the same time, between 2019 and 2024, a 21% decrease in road deaths was recorded. In 2022, 253 people were seriously injured in road accidents, a number reduced by 26% compared to 2019. Overall, in the period 2019-2022, deaths and serious injuries decreased in all categories of accidents and road users examined.
Therefore, it is stated in the document, Cyprus is primarily on track to achieve the target of halving the number of road deaths by 2030.
In terms of compliance with road traffic rules, for the period 2017-19, speed limit violations were recorded (37% within urban areas, 19% on the provincial network, 64% on motorways), driving under the influence of alcohol (15.2% of fatal collisions) and drugs (8.3%), non-use of seat belts (56% of fatal passengers were not wearing a seatbelt), non-use of helmets (44% of fatal motorcyclists) and use of mobile phones (24% of fatal collisions).
Strategic plan
Particular reference is made in the Commission's document to Cyprus' Strategic Road Safety Plan 2021-2030, which envisages a 50% reduction in deaths, serious and minor injuries by 2030 compared to 2020. At the same time, specific targets are set to reduce by 60% by 2030 the number of victims in urban areas, for users of motorized two-wheelers, for drivers under 25 years of age, for pedestrians and cyclists and for foreigners.
According to the Commission, based on the latest available data, Cyprus appears to be moving almost in the right direction towards achieving the goal of halving road deaths by 2030.
As regards the implementation of the road safety actions set out in the National Strategy for 2021-2024, progress has been made in most areas. However, significant delays are being recorded in some areas. As it is pointed out, the main weaknesses concern the understaffing of the technical services, the inadequate organization of the competent authorities and the limited budget.
As underlined in the document, these shortcomings have a negative impact on the progress of the implementation of the strategy in all areas of the road safety management pillar, except legislation, on the implementation of measures concerning vulnerable road users, on road safety campaigns, as well as on measures related to the safe speed limit pillar.
The European dimension
In today's relevant announcement, the Commission records the European Union's path towards the goal of reducing road deaths and serious injuries by 50% by 2030, pointing out that, despite the progress made, the rate of reduction is not sufficient.
According to the Commission, 19,940 people died on Europe's roads in 2024, a 12% decrease compared to 2019, but significantly lower than the required 4.6% annual reduction needed to meet the 2030 targets. Road accidents continue to weigh heavily on the EU economy, with the cost estimated at around 2% of GDP, with up to 100,000 people suffering life-changing injuries every year.
"Every death on the asphalt is a tragedy. While we have made significant progress, we need to accelerate our efforts and act faster and with greater determination," said Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas.
The report presents a package of measures that require coordinated action by the EU institutions, Member States and local authorities. The Commission announces interventions in five priority areas: infrastructure security and intelligent transport systems, strengthening enforcement of traffic rules and the prevention of dangerous behaviour, the development of vehicle safety technologies, the management of new forms of mobility and the promotion of road safety research.
The Commission highlights examples of Member States that have achieved a significant reduction in deaths. Poland, Lithuania and Slovenia recorded a decrease of 33%-35% from 2019, approaching the 2030 targets. Typical interventions include the national speed limit of 30 km/h in urban centres in Spain, the extensive network of automated traffic cameras in France and evidence-based information campaigns in Denmark.
At the same time, the Commission calls on Member States to ensure effective governance structures for road safety, adequate funding and systematic monitoring of progress.
As a next step, the Commission says it will work closely with Member States, providing technical and financial support under the next Multiannual Financial Framework. Progress will be tracked through the CARE database and the European Road Safety Observatory, with the ultimate goal of achieving 'Vision Zero', i.e. eliminating road deaths by 2050.
KYPE
