CYPRUS POLICE TO CLAMP DOWN ON DRIVERS USING MOBILE PHONES
MOBILE PHONE USE AT THE WHEEL ON THE RISE
Cyprus is A NATION OF MOTORISTS, and it seems that mobile phone use at the wheel is on the rise. It is generally accepted that several road accidents are primarily attributed to careless driving. This includes, amongst other things, driving whilst using a mobile phone device. Cyprus authorities, in response, have firmly acknowledged this, and the police are taking further steps to fully prosecute drivers who use mobile devices while driving. TRAFFIC CAMERAS are now being used to track seat belt non-compliance as well as general traffic violations that include speeding. They are also being used to monitor mobile phone use at the wheel.
AN URGENT NEED FOR ACTION
THE MINISTRY FOR JUSTICE & PUBLIC ORDER has also confirmed that there is an urgent need for action. They advocate that using mobile phones whilst driving in Cyprus is definitely on the rise. The ministry maintains that it currently receives over 7,000 formal complaints regarding this issue every year. Their data suggests that it seems that drivers mainly use their mobile phones while waiting at traffic lights. These drivers have been seen talking, sending messages, looking at social media, or even taking selfies while waiting for signals to change. In light of this, they constantly urge public awareness about the dangers of mobile phone use while driving. They are also currently backing a police campaign to reduce mobile phone use at the wheel.
UNDERESTIMATING THE DANGER
THE MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKS has also mirrored mobile phone use concerns. They state that the use of mobile phones whilst driving seems to have increased in Cyprus of late. They confirm that their data shows that one in ten drivers now indiscriminately use their mobile phone whilst driving. They also state that these drivers often underestimate the danger while using their phones at the wheel. Drivers involved in accidents have been found to believe that they thought that they were in full control. They often state that they thought they could effectively manage the driving situation after an accident.
