Thank you for the invitation to attend and speak at today's workshop, which is organised by the Police, the European Roadpol Agency and the Bank of Cyprus Support Cy.
Today's event is very important, as it is addressed to a special group of the population, professional drivers, who are on the roads every day, travelling many thousands of kilometres and facing increased difficulties and risks on the road network.
Risks that arise due to the size and weight of vehicles, the transport of persons and cargo, fatigue due to the long distances they have to cover and the long hours of work.
Legislation, advances in technology, the development of intelligent transport systems and advances in data science are an ally in improving the level of road safety and undoubtedly contribute to proactively tackling the major global social problem of road collisions.
New applications for monitoring and evaluating driving provide incentives for users to improve their road behaviour and evolve the role of the driver in modern times.
In this context, the implementation of the legislation 'The Law on Control of Driving Hours and Rest of Drivers of Certain Vehicles', which concerns the use of tachographs in heavy vehicles for the transport of passengers and goods, is also part of this. Tachographs play a very important role in monitoring the compliance of professional drivers, in particular with the rules governing driving time and rest periods.
Tachographs undoubtedly contribute to improving road safety, drivers' working conditions and fair competition between road transport undertakings. They improve drivers' occupational health, since appropriate rest conditions reduce drivers' stress and fatigue and reduce the risk of causing traffic collisions by controlling speed.
Knowledge of the conditions laid down by law and their application, both by the owners of commercial fleets and by the drivers themselves, is essential and therefore emphasis should be placed on information and training for professional drivers.
The presence of representatives of bus and lorry companies at today's meeting is very important and demonstrates their practical interest and awareness of road safety and the prevention of fatal collisions related to the circulation of commercial vehicles.
The contribution of the Police is also important through its information campaigns on the risks caused by non-compliance with the legislation in force, as well as by carrying out - in cooperation with the Roadpol European Police Traffic Network, the Labour Relations Department, the Road Transport Department and the Electromechanical Service - roadside checks on trucks and buses for offences committed by drivers.
As a state we are aiming for Vision Zero, zero fatalities on our roads. To achieve our goal requires collective and methodical work, on a continuous basis, at all levels, from family, school and society at large.
In Cyprus, despite the significant reduction observed in fatal road collisions, the numbers remain high and cause us particular concern and intense worry.
Finding effective measures and projects with the main objective of changing road culture and behaviour is imperative, as this is an issue with serious social implications.
In this context, both the state and the social partners are promoting projects aimed at road users and expected to contribute to improving road safety, such as:
- The extension of the system of photolabelling
- The operation of the Driver Training School
- Public awareness campaigns
- Lectures in schools for children of all ages
- Experiential workshops in camps using police equipment to simulate the experience of an accident
- Appointment of new Road Safety Ambassadors.
Good road behaviour is everyone's responsibility and driving should go hand in hand with road safety. To achieve this, we must, first and foremost, strictly observe the basic rules of the road, drive consciously and responsibly and demonstrate compliance with the rules of good road behaviour.
(ΕΠ/ΣΧ)
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Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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