Only by strengthening road awareness and strictly adhering to the traffic code will traffic accidents be minimised, the defence ministry deputy director said on Monday.

“Road accidents are an extremely serious problem with tragic consequences,” Anna Aristotelous said on behalf of Defence Minister Vasili Palma at the Mathaitis national guard camps in an event to raise awareness on road safety and road accident prevention issues.

“It goes beyond simple compliance with traffic rules, it requires, a conscious and responsible attitude from the driver, as well as correct actions on the road, that will reduce the chances of being involved in a car accident.”

She urged drivers to act responsibly and added that indifference or irresponsibility can lead to tragic losses and irreparable consequences.

Initiatives such as the “Free Movement of National Guards Scheme” and educational lectures have yielded significant results.

“Adopting proper road behaviour is an act of collective responsibility and moral maturity, only in this way can we hope for a future with fewer road accidents and more safety for all,” she said.