Cyprus recorded 44 road deaths per million inhabitants in 2024, slightly better than the EU average of 45, according to European Commission data and staff working documents. The country ranks 14th among the 27 EU member states.
Urban areas and young drivers most affected
Most fatalities involved motorcyclists and individuals aged 18 to 24, with the majority of deaths and serious injuries occurring in urban areas. Data from 2017–2019 show 63.5% of deaths and 80% of serious injuries in urban settings, largely due to excessive speed. Motorcyclists accounted for 31.4% of fatalities, pedestrians 23.5%, young people under 25 26.1%, and foreign nationals 27.3%.
Fewer deaths and serious injuries over recent years
Between 2019 and 2024, road deaths fell by 21%. In 2022, 253 people were seriously injured, a 26% decrease compared with 2019. Across all accident types and road users, fatalities and serious injuries declined during 2019–2022.
Strategic plan to halve fatalities by 2030
Cyprus’s Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 aims to halve deaths, serious and minor injuries by 2030 compared with 2020. Specific targets include reducing fatalities in urban areas, motorcyclists, drivers under 25, pedestrians, cyclists, and foreign nationals by 60%.
Compliance and enforcement challenges
Analysis of 2017–2019 data highlighted speeding violations (37% in urban areas, 19% on rural roads, 64% on motorways), driving under alcohol (15.2%) or drugs (8.3%), non-use of seat belts (56% of passenger deaths), helmet non-use (44% of motorcyclist deaths), and mobile phone use (24% of fatal crashes).
The Commission noted progress in implementing measures outlined in the national strategy for 2021–2024, but flagged delays due to understaffed technical services, limited budgets, and insufficient organisation of responsible authorities.
European context
Across the EU, 19,940 people died in road accidents in 2024, a 12% reduction since 2019. However, the annual decline rate falls short of the 4.6% needed to reach 2030 targets. Road accidents continue to cost approximately 2% of EU GDP, with up to 100,000 life-changing injuries annually.
Best practice examples
Member states achieving notable reductions include Poland, Lithuania and Slovenia, with 33–35% decreases since 2019. Effective interventions cited include Spain’s 30 km/h urban speed limit, France’s automated traffic camera networks, and Denmark’s evidence-based road safety campaigns.
Next steps
The European Commission will provide technical and financial support to member states under the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, monitor progress through CARE and the European Road Safety Observatory, and aim for “Vision Zero” – eliminating road deaths by 2050.
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