In 2024, a 22% increase in deaths was recorded on Cyprus roads, resulting in 41 deaths.

This is 7 more deaths than in 2023, when 34 deaths were recorded, a record low in history.

The increase in fatal traffic accidents was an unexpected turnaround after two years of significant mortality declines. The reasons for this change are multifaceted, but one of the key problems was drivers’ failure to comply with traffic rules.

According to police, one of the factors contributing to the increase in deaths is that many drivers do not pay fines issued automatically through the camera system, considering them meaningless, as well as ongoing legislative proposals to reduce fines for violations. As a result, the number of recorded speeding and running red lights has increased.

According to the Department of Traffic Management, the most common causes of fatal accidents remain reckless driving related to the use of mobile phones and speeding, especially when combined with non-compliance with safety regulations such as the lack of seat belts and helmets.

The report focuses on the New Year’s tragedy in Limassol, when an entire family (four people) was killed in a terrible accident, and the November 17 traffic accident in which three small children were killed in a collision with another vehicle in the Kokkinochorion area.

A positive aspect of 2024 was the absence of casualties on the roads in December, which happened for the first time in many years. This is due to increased measures to check drivers for seat belts, helmets and the absence of mobile phones in the hands of drivers.

In response to the rising number of fatal accidents, police have proposed increasing fines for violations such as not wearing seat belts, not wearing helmets, and using mobile phones while driving. The Road Safety Council has approved a proposal to increase fines by 50 euros, and the relevant bill will be sent to Parliament soon.

A source: philenews.com

https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/2024-godu-zafiksirovano-rekordnoe-uvelichenie