Sovereign Bases areas olice officers visited bases and Cypriot schools last week to raise awareness on road safety issues to young students.
The educational events alongside the Bases and Republic of Cyprus emergency services, were part of the annual Road Safety Week activities, which ran between November 16-22.
During the interactive presentations, Neighbourhood Police Unit officers engaged with students aged between three and 12 and fielded questions on key road safety issues through interactive training.
According to a relevant Bases press release, 'road safety remains a priority for both Bases and Cyprus police, with more cars on the road now than ever before'.
Chief inspector George Louis, who heads-up the SBA Police Road Traffic Steering Group, said education was the key to ensuring that future road-users know what to look out for.
'We aim to educate individuals of all ages, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, right attitude and behaviour, whether they are drivers, pedestrians, cyclists or passengers in vehicles', he noted.
By increasing awareness and learning about the dangers of the ‘Fatal Five’ causes of road traffic collisions, he added, drivers are more alert, adhering to speed limits and avoiding road hazards.
The ‘‘Fatal Five’ refers to speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics, driving without a seat belt or protective helmet, distraction (mobile phones) and dangerous driving.
As Chief inspector Louis further stressed, getting that message across to young students must be achieved in a fun and engaging manner.
'We use a combination of education and practical skills and interactive activities, such as games and different training.'
This year, primary schools within the SBAs at both ends of the island took part in these activities and some of the feedback from children, as underlined in the press release, was very interesting.
'Many were keen to ask questions, and wanted to know how it's safe to cross the road if there are no zebra crossings or traffic lights available nearby.'
Children also asked why it's important to wear a seat belt in a vehicle, as a rear seat passenger and why they should wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or scooter.
As the British Bases noted, working alongside the Republic of Cyprus emergency services was also critical to the success of the week as a joined-up approach is crucial to ensure road users are safe island wide.
Joint operations between the SBA Police and CyPol were also conducted during the week and concluded with a Road Safety Day at Trachoni Gymnasium with all the emergency services involved.