Driver distraction caused by mobile‑phone use is now the leading factor behind road accidents in Cyprus, Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades has said.
He said the rising number of deadly collisions involving motorbike riders shows that “we are not taking vulnerable road users into account” on the island’s road network.
Cyprus continues to struggle with some of the highest road‑fatality rates in the European Union when adjusted for population.
Motorcyclists and pedestrians account for a disproportionate share of serious injuries and deaths.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that mobile‑phone use — whether texting, checking apps or holding the device while driving — sharply reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of high‑impact crashes.
Police data in recent years show that distraction, speeding and failure to give way remain the most common causes of serious collisions. Officials say enforcement campaigns have intensified, but the widespread use of smartphones behind the wheel continues to undermine road‑safety efforts.