Cyprus recorded 44 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, a performance slightly better than the EU average (45), according to the European Commission.
Based on the figures cited by the Commission, Cyprus ranks 14th among the 27 Member States.
Most fatalities concern riders of powered two-wheelers and individuals aged 18 to 24, while the overwhelming majority of deaths and serious injuries occurred in urban areas.
According to data for the 2017-2019 period, 63.5% of fatalities and 80% of serious injuries occurred in urban areas, mainly due to excessive speed, while pedestrians accounted for just under one in four deaths.
Deaths of motorcyclists and moped riders accounted for 31.4%, pedestrian deaths for 23.5%, fatalities among young people up to 24 years old for 26.1%, and deaths of foreign nationals for 27.3%. In 2022, powered two-wheelers represented 19% of road deaths and 18% of serious injuries.
At the same time, between 2019 and 2024 a 21% reduction in road fatalities was recorded. In 2022, 253 people were seriously injured in road crashes, a figure 26% lower compared to 2019. Overall, during the period 2019–2022, both fatalities and serious injuries decreased across all categories of crashes and road users examined.
Cyprus is broadly on track to achieve the target of halving the number of road deaths by 2030, according to the Commission’s working document.
No seatbelt in majority of vehicle deaths
Regarding compliance with road traffic rules for the period 2017-2019, the data reveals most people caught speeding were driving on the highway, while more than half of all deceased car passengers were not wearing a seatbelt.
The data recorded the following violations: speeding (37% in urban areas, 19% on rural roads, 64% on motorways), driving under the influence of alcohol (15.2% of fatal collisions) and drugs (8.3%), non-use of seatbelts (56% of deceased car passengers were not wearing a seatbelt), non-use of helmets (44% of deceased motorcyclists), and mobile phone use (24% of fatal collisions).
Strategic plan
The European Commission’s report makes particular reference to Cyprus’s 2021-2030 Road Safety Strategic Plan, which aims to reduce by 50% the number of deaths, serious injuries, and minor injuries from road traffic accidents by 2030 compared to 2020. In addition, specific targets have been set to achieve a 60% reduction by 2030 in road traffic victims in urban areas, among users of motorized two-wheelers, drivers under 25 years of age, pedestrians and cyclists, and foreign residents.
According to the Commission, based on the most recent available data, Cyprus appears to be moving largely in the right direction toward achieving the target of halving road traffic deaths by 2030.
Regarding the implementation of road safety actions outlined in the national strategy for the 2021-2024 period, progress has been observed in most areas. However, significant delays have been recorded in certain sectors. The report highlights that the main weaknesses relate to understaffed technical services, insufficient organization of the competent authorities, and limited budgetary resources.
As noted in the document, these shortcomings negatively affect the progress of the strategy’s implementation across all areas of the road safety management pillar, except for legislation, including the execution of measures concerning vulnerable road users, road safety campaigns, and initiatives related to the safe speed limits pillar.
Source: CNA