Nicosia: Alcohol and drugs are responsible for approximately 24% of fatal collisions on Cyprus roads, while the use of a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of a road crash fourfold, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Alexis Vafeades, announced on Tuesday. In the coming months, a new legislative framework targeting professional motorcyclists will be introduced to address specific safety concerns.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Vafeades emphasized that road safety is a priority for the Ministry, with active measures, precise targets, and ongoing evaluations. Speaking at the 'HARM REDUCTION CONFERENCE 2026: Shaping a Safer Tomorrow Through Innovation' in Nicosia, he outlined the Ministry's commitment to achieving a road network with zero fatalities and serious injuries.
Vafeades cited global statistics from the World Health Organization, noting that 1.19 million people die in road accidents annually. Within the European Union, around 100,000 individuals sustained serious injuries, and approximately 19,400 fatalities occurred on the roads in 2025. The goal for 2030 is to reduce these numbers by 50%, effectively saving more than 10,000 lives each year.
He elaborated on the new legislative framework for professional motorcyclists, which will include stricter licensing requirements, mandatory use of certified equipment, and adherence to minimum safety standards. This initiative is in response to data showing motorcyclists are 14 times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than car drivers.
Vafeades highlighted the importance of speed management, citing scientific evidence that a collision at 30 km/h poses less than 10% pedestrian fatality risk, while at 50 km/h, the risk rises to 80-90%. Local authorities are implementing 30 km/h zones with the Ministry's guidance and support.
Efforts to enhance road safety also include targeted interventions at high-risk locations, upgrades to pedestrian crossings, and improvements in road infrastructure quality. The focus is on adopting a more people-centred approach to road design.
Lastly, Vafeades stressed the pivotal role of driver behavior in road safety. The Road Safety Ambassadors programme in schools, coupled with targeted awareness campaigns, is designed to cultivate a strong culture of road safety awareness across Cyprus.