CYPRUS POLICE TO CLAMP DOWN ON DRIVERS USING MOBILE PHONES
FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS
Mobile phones and driving in Cyprus do not mix well and it is now generally accepted that a number of road accidents are primarily attributed to careless driving whilst using a mobile phone device. Cyprus authorities have firmly acknowledged this fact and the police are taking steps to prosecute drivers that use mobile devices at the wheel. Cameras can now track drivers that use mobile phones at the wheel, as well as seat belt contraventions and trafiffic violations, including speeding.
URGENT NEED FOR ACTION
The Ministry for Justice and Public Order has also confirmed that there is an urgent need for action. They advocate that ysing mobile phones whilst driving in Cyprus is definitely on the rise and they maintain that they receive in excess of over 7,000 formal complaints about drivers that use mobile devices at the wheel on the island every year. They have also stated that drivers mainly use their mobile phones while waiting at traffic lights, talking, sending messages, looking at social media, or even taking selfies. They constantly urge for public awareness about the dangers of mobile phone use while driving and are currently backing a police campaign to reduce this practice.
UNDERESTIMATING THE DANGER
The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works has also mirrored other ministries concerns and have agreed that the use of mobile phones whilst driving seems to have increased in Cyprus. They also confirmed that one in ten drivers indiscriminately use their mobile phone whilst driving and have stated that these drivers often underestimate the danger, thinking they can effectively manage the situation.
