Gourri, Cyprus. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou called for a collective effort to improve road safety and change attitudes towards driving behaviour, saying Cyprus could not afford “any more losses”. She was speaking at a road safety event in the Troodos mountain village of Gourri on Sunday.
Call for culture of safety
Michaelidou said it was necessary “to join forces and cultivate a culture of safety, responsibility and respect”. She said statistics showed an urgent need to promote proper road behaviour and create a more responsible society.
Appeal to young people
Addressing young attendees, Michaelidou urged them to lead by example and become positive role models. She called on them to “take the lead” and “give the message of life,” describing them as the life and future of the country.
Responsibility to change attitudes
Michaelidou said almost everyone had experienced the pain caused by serious road accidents, either directly or indirectly. She said there was a responsibility to bring this pain to an end, with action possible from each person’s own field.
Government and ministry priorities
The minister said road behaviour had been included among the key priorities of the education ministry and the Christodoulides government.
How do you think schools and families can help change attitudes toward road safety?