The traffic safety project raises awareness among youth ages 14-18 of the hazards of high-risk driving, thus improving safety on Cyprus’ roads

The Cyprus Fulbright Commission, in collaboration with Embassy Nicosia, recently celebrated the successful implementation of the first phase of its new island-wide youth outreach program on road traffic safety. This first phase, which took place in Turkish Cypriot schools, will be followed shortly by a program in Greek Cypriot public schools. The traffic safety project raises awareness among youth ages 14-18 of the hazards of high-risk driving, thus improving safety on Cyprus’ roads. This project meets a great need in Cyprus, as according to recent provisional reports by the European Commission Directorate General for Energy and Transport, Cyprus has the worst record of fatal road accidents of all European Union members. Research also shows that young people are especially vulnerable, as they often use excessive speed and agressive driving tactics on the roads. Statistics suggest that many of these accidents and fatalities could have been avoided by following basic safety measures. Consisting of both presentation and interactive workshops, this program fosters critical thinking, discussion and reflection on hazardous driving, while at the same time avoiding the “scare tactics” often found in traditional road safety programs, in order to appeal to young people.