Twenty-seven people have lost their lives on Cyprus’ roads since the beginning of 2026, more than half of them motorcyclists, as police step up targeted operations and road safety campaigns.

Speaking to CNA following Sunday’s fatal road collision, in which a 30-year-old motorcyclist was killed, Police Spokesperson Vyron Vyronos urged drivers to obey traffic laws and respect other road users, stressing that “there are no magic solutions” to the problem.

“We urge the public to obey the Highway Code and respect other road users,” he said, calling on drivers to remember that someone is waiting for them at home.

Of the 27 people killed on Cyprus’ roads this year, 14 were travelling on two-wheeled vehicles, accounting for more than half of all fatalities. The death toll was the same by August 23 last year. Overall, 45 people died on Cyprus’ roads in 2025, the highest annual toll in five years.

Vyronos said police maintain a strong presence on the road network and conduct targeted operations in areas identified as high-risk. These operations are based on assessments of the causes of fatal collisions and the campaign schedule of the European Roads Policing Network, Roadpol.

A campaign targeting mobile phone use while driving is under way this week, as it is considered a major risk factor in fatal road collisions.

Vyronos said greater efforts were needed from the police, relevant authorities and organisations, along with systematic road safety education from an early age. The aim, he added, was to promote road safety awareness and develop a stronger road safety culture, particularly among young people.

“There are no magic solutions,” he said, noting that police cannot be present on every road or predict everything that may happen across Cyprus.

Every driver and rider, he added, must understand that their life is at risk whenever they take to the road, both because of their own actions and those of other road users.

Vyronos said that while road collisions could not be eliminated entirely, their number, particularly that of fatal collisions, could be significantly reduced.

Police data show that careless driving, speeding and driver distraction, particularly through mobile phone use, remain among the main factors behind fatal collisions.

Police will continue their road safety operations, Vyronos said, stressing that their ultimate aim is prevention rather than punishment.

Source: Parikiaki.com