Nicosia, Cyprus. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades said phone distraction is one of the main causes of traffic accidents after speeding. He spoke on Saturday at a classic car rally in Nicosia.
Focus on vulnerable road users and driver distraction
Vafeades said the ministry would focus on vulnerable road users and driver distraction, adding that mobile phone use is the top problem. He said the ministry is working on implementing faster warning systems while pointing to the highway code as a guideline for safety.
Reference to bus drivers protests
He said professional drivers must abide by the highway code, adding that crossing a “red line” constitutes a violation. He made the comments with reference to Friday’s bus drivers protests over traffic cameras and safety concerns.
Proposed measures
Vafeades said the issue could be resolved through better management of the road network, better training and a warning, which he said his ministry would ensure was available.
European Commission figures on road deaths
According to the most recent figures released by the European Commission on Tuesday, road deaths in Cyprus increased by 10% last year compared with 2024. In 2025, Cyprus recorded 46 road deaths per million inhabitants, compared with 42 the year prior. The figures also showed a 13% decrease in fatalities in 2025 compared with 2019.
EU-wide fatalities
Across the EU, 19,400 road fatalities were recorded in 2025, a 3% decrease from 2024, or 580 fewer deaths.
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