Defence Minister addresses seminar
Defence Minister Vassilis Palmas described road accidents as one of the most tragic challenges during his address at a road safety seminar organized by the National Guard General Staff on Monday at Maki Giorgalla Camp in Mathiatis.
Referring to statistics published last month by the European Parliament on fatal road accidents across the EU, he noted that over 19,000 people lost their lives in road collisions in 2024, with approximately 100,000 suffering serious injuries annually.
EU statistics reveal patterns
The Minister presented data showing three out of four fatalities were men, while the 18-24 age group accounted for 12% of road deaths despite representing only 7% of the population.
“Despite a gradual decline in fatalities over the past decade, road accidents remain one of the most tragic challenges we face,” he stated, emphasizing that behind the statistics lie harsh realities leaving unhealable wounds.
Human factor – key issue
Despite progress in infrastructure and legislation, the problem persists primarily due to human factors. “We often overlook that driving, however familiar in our daily lives, constitutes an activity of great responsibility,” he noted.
The event focuses on road awareness, which goes beyond knowledge of the Road Traffic Code or vehicle handling skills. It involves developing responsible, foresight-driven, and safe behavior considering not only personal safety but also that of other road users.
Collaborative prevention efforts
Through studies, joint actions, and awareness campaigns, “we can drastically reduce road accidents and protect human life,” Palmas stated.
The Defence Ministry recognizes the issue’s criticality, collaborating with Cyprus Police and other partners to invest in education, awareness, and preventive measures.
He highlighted initiatives like the “Free Transport Scheme for Reservists,” providing free travel for National Guard reservists and conscripts to and from camps, which has yielded positive results. However, much more remains to achieve zero human losses from road accidents.
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