Two traffic accidents, both involving drinking alcohol before driving, occurred yesterday afternoon in the Nicosia district. As a result of the accidents, four people were taken to the hospital, three of whom were admitted for further treatment.
Specifically, around 5 p.m. yesterday on Iroon Avenue in Engomi, a car driven by a 57-year-old man, under circumstances that are under investigation, collided with a motorcycle traveling ahead of it, which was being ridden by a 25-year-old man. After the collision, the driver of the car continued on his way, leaving the scene, only to be located a short distance away shortly afterward by police officers.
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The 57-year-old was subjected to a breathalyzer test, with a final reading of 89 μg% instead of 22 μg%. Consequently, he was arrested on the spot for a flagrant offense and taken into custody.
The 25-year-old motorcyclist was transported to Nicosia General Hospital, where, after being examined, it was determined that he had not sustained any serious injuries, and he was discharged. The Nicosia Traffic Police are continuing their investigation.
A few hours later, around 7 p.m., a 37-year-old man on the Xyliatos–Lagouderon Road, under circumstances that are under investigation, collided with a car driven in the opposite lane by driven by an 18-year-old who had another 18-year-old as a passenger.
All three occupants of the two vehicles were injured in the collision. They were transported to Nicosia General Hospital, where they were found to have sustained injuries and fractures and were admitted for further treatment.
Both drivers were subjected to a breathalyzer test. The 18-year-old’s reading was zero, while the 37-year-old’s final reading was 70 μg% instead of 22 μg%. The Peristerona Police Station is continuing its investigation.
These two traffic accidents serve as yet another reminder of the serious dangers posed by driving under the influence of alcohol. According to statistics from the past five years, one in three fatal traffic accidents is attributed to alcohol consumption and/or drug use. These factors directly impair driving ability and can have tragic consequences, not only for the drivers themselves but also for other unsuspecting road users.
The Police remind everyone that driving under the influence of alcohol is not merely a dangerous choice. It is a choice that can cost lives. That is why we are once again calling on drivers to act responsibly and not to drive after consuming alcohol.
At the same time, police checkpoints throughout the road network continue, with the aim of identifying and removing from the roads drivers who endanger road safety. For example, during the night, alcohol checks were conducted on more than 220 drivers. Of these, 22 tested positive and were removed from the road. Another four drivers tested positive in a preliminary drug test and were also removed from the road.
