Distracted driving continues to be among the leading causes of road collisions in Cyprus, according to police data presented during the launch of a new awareness campaign focused on mobile phone use behind the wheel.
Figures released during the event showed that more than 31,000 reports involving mobile phone use while driving were recorded between 2023 and 2025.
Campaign launched to tackle distracted driving
The campaign, titled “How many scrolls is a life worth? None. Hold the wheel”, was presented at the Traffic Education Park in Nicosia. The initiative is organised by Anytime, part of the Interamerican Group, in cooperation with the Cyprus Police Traffic Department and the Prevention and Awareness Office.
The event included a video campaign featuring Anytime road safety ambassador Andreas Aravis, while additional awareness activities are expected through media appearances and public outreach programmes.
Road fatality figures raise concern
According to police figures for 2025, 45 road deaths have been recorded so far.
Among these:
• 11 deaths involved careless driving or distraction
• Nine victims were pedestrians
• Eight victims were aged under 25
• Three victims were cyclists
• 31,066 reports concerned mobile phone use between 2023 and 2025
Police: Mobile use can be more dangerous than alcohol
Director of Traffic Police Headquarters, Charis Evripidou, said mobile phone use and distraction have become one of the main causes of road collisions in recent years.
He referred to international studies indicating that mobile phone use while driving may be even more dangerous than alcohol consumption because it removes a driver’s attention from the road for several seconds.
“More than five fatal accidents this year involved distraction, while last year over 17 cases were linked to attention diversion,” he said.
Evripidou stressed that using a phone while driving, whether for calls or scrolling, significantly increases the risk of collisions.
Awareness campaign to expand nationwide
The campaign includes roadside awareness advertising, radio spots and social media activity featuring Andreas Aravis and Katerina Agapitou.
Additional information campaigns will also take place in military camps, universities and major public events, including the Larnaca Marathon.
Insurance company highlights social responsibility
Head of Interamerican Cyprus, Kaiti Alexandrou, said every road collision affects lives and families, adding that mobile phone use while driving is not merely a bad habit but a preventable choice.
She said the campaign aims to encourage drivers to put their phones aside and help reduce traffic accidents across Cyprus.
Also read: British expats in Cyprus could claim car finance compensation
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