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 attributed to careless driving, and this includes, amongst other things, driving whilst using a mobile phone device.
MORE PROSECUTIONS
Authorities across the island, 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 that are being used to track general traffic violations, such as speeding and non-compliant seat belt use, 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. They maintain that they currently receive 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. 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 are constantly urging 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 the current mobile phone use concerns. 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 mobile phones at the wheel. Drivers involved in accidents have been found to believe that they thought that they were in full control at the time, stating that they thought they could effectively manage the driving situation before the accident occurred.
