POLICE yesterday launched a two-week island wide seatbelt campaign as another person died on the roads over the weekend.

A combination of speeding and alcohol consumption is believed to have led to the death of front-seat passenger Haris Bakalouris, 23, in Limassol early Sunday morning and left two other 23-year-old men in critical condition. The accident occurred at approximately 4am on the coastal road of 28th October.

Witnesses reported that the vehicle veered out of its lane and into oncoming traffic after the driver lost control, and struck a tree before coming to a full stop.

The driver underwent surgery after suffering serious trauma to his lungs. He remains in critical condition.

The rear-side passenger suffered trauma to his entire body. He was admitted to the intensive care unit at Limassol General Hospital and subsequently transferred to Nicosia General Hospital due to the seriousness of his injuries. He remains in critical condition.

None of the three men were wearing their seat belts at the time of the accident, according to police.

Yesterday’s campaign was launched to raise awareness on the importance of wearing seatbelts and to clampdown on the number of road fatalities caused by failing to adhere to the law.  The campaign will run until February 21.