Nineteen of the 43 fatal road collisions recorded in Cyprus in 2025 were caused by driver inattention, a factor that points to the use of mobile phones while driving, Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Alexis Vafeades said on Thursday.
He was speaking after a meeting of the Road Safety Council, which was also attended by Minister of Justice and Public Order Konstantinos Fytiris. Vafeades said specific measures will be taken to curb mobile phone use while driving.
Police presentation on 2025 data
In statements after the meeting, Vafeades said the Road Safety Council gave the Police the opportunity to make an extensive presentation, particularly regarding fatal road collisions in 2025.
He noted that the government’s main concern is how to manage the issue in order to drastically reduce such incidents and return to the path of achieving the target of reducing fatal road collisions by up to 50% or more by 2030.
“A scourge that cannot be accepted”
“What I want to stress is that out of the 43 fatal accidents, the Police can state with certainty that 19 were the result of drivers’ lack of attention on the roads. I personally interpret this as potentially linked to mobile phone use,” the Minister said.
“This is a scourge for our country. We may have lost 19 of our fellow citizens due to mobile phone use, and this cannot be accepted,” he added.
Measures to be discussed in January
Vafeades said the competent committees have been asked to return in January so that the discussion can continue within the Road Safety Council, with proposals to be submitted and measures adopted to suppress the phenomenon.
“This must stop. We must all accept that when we use a mobile phone while driving, we put ourselves, our families and everyone else using the road network at risk,” he said.
Other causes of fatal accidents
Asked about other causes of fatal road collisions, the Transport Minister said there are certainly additional factors, noting that in 2025 there were five incidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
“I do not want to downplay these conditions, as we will also focus on them. What we are saying is that out of the 43 cases, 19 involve mobile phones. This is a huge number and a trend that must be limited,” he said, adding that efforts to detect and prevent driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs will continue.
Support for zero-alcohol proposal for young drivers
Asked about a bill proposed by MP Chrysanthos Savvides regarding alcohol consumption by young drivers, Vafeades said the government supports it.
“We believe we must protect young people by implementing such legislation. Any additional measures will be included in other laws,” he said.
Justice Minister: Immediate action required
For his part, Justice and Public Order Minister Konstantinos Fytiris said this was his first participation in what he described as a very constructive meeting of the Road Safety Council. He noted that the next meeting will take place in January, rather than in two months, as measures need to be taken immediately.
“The Ministry of Justice, through the Police, in cooperation with the Road Transport Department and other services, will take all necessary measures, both in terms of police manpower and technology, to reduce accidents to a minimum,” he said, adding that this is one of the main pillars of government policy.
Camera fines and ambulances
Asked to comment on the decision not to fine drivers who cross the stop line at camera-controlled traffic lights to allow an ambulance to pass, Fytiris said this is a measure to be taken by the Police, taking into account all recommendations.
“What needs to be done will be done, with safety for both ambulances and citizens. We must always find the best possible solution under the circumstances,” he said.