Driver distraction, driven primarily by mobile phone use behind the wheel, was responsible for 11 of the 45 road deaths recorded in Cyprus in 2025, authorities revealed on Tuesday. The dangerous trend has already been linked to more than five fatal collisions so far in 2026.
The figures were released by police during the launch of a new road safety campaign titled “How Many Scrolls is a Life Worth? None. Hold the Wheel.” The initiative is a joint effort between the insurance firm Anytime and the traffic police’s prevention and awareness office.
The Cost of Distraction
Police data highlights a widespread issue on Cyprus roads, with officers issuing 31,066 citations for mobile phone use over the past three years alone.
The human toll of last year’s traffic accidents paints a sobering picture of who is most at risk:
- Total 2025 Fatalities: 45 lives lost.
- Primary Cause: 11 deaths were directly attributed to careless driving or driver distraction.
- Vulnerable Road Users: The 2025 victims included nine pedestrians and three cyclists.
- Youth Impact: Eight of those who lost their lives were under the age of 25.
Traffic Director Charis Evripidou emphasized that driver distraction has locked itself in as one of the leading causes of severe road accidents across the island. He pointed to international studies showing that using a phone while driving can actually be more hazardous than driving under the influence of alcohol, as it completely blinds a driver’s attention to the road for critical seconds.
“Whether we are talking or scrolling, we should put the phone aside,” Evripidou urged, reminding motorists that most commutes in Cyprus are short. “There is little that cannot wait 10, 20, or 30 minutes until a driver reaches their destination.”
A Push for Awareness
The trend has unfortunately extended into 2026, where driver distraction remains the leading cause of fatal crashes. Police noted that more than 17 fatal collisions last year were associated with inattentive driving in some form.
To combat this, the new public awareness blitz will deploy roadside advertising, radio spots, and social media pushes featuring prominent road safety ambassadors Andreas Aravis and Katerina Agapitou. Authorities and campaign organizers also plan to take the message directly to the public, hosting educational events at military barracks, universities, and major public gatherings like the Larnaca Marathon.
Kaiti Alexandrou, Chief Executive of Interamerican Cyprus, stressed that phone use is a deliberate behavior rather than an unavoidable habit. “Behind every traffic accident and fatality lies a human life and a family whose lives could change in a matter of seconds,” Alexandrou said, noting that the campaign aims to fundamentally change driver habits and keep phones out of reach.