In our previous post on the subject of road safety, and the fatal accident in Chania on 11th January, we commented that driver behaviour is a strong contributing factor to the high incidence of fatalities in road accidents in Crete, “with speeding and reckless overtaking featuring high on the list, especially on the VOAK, and driving under the influence of alcohol also being commonplace. The failure to wear seatbelts is undoubtedly another factor.”
Roadside checks by the traffic police have been intensified since that accident, and the latest set of statistics issued by the General Directorate of Police for the Region of Crete only reinforces the impression that, as underlined by the Prime Minister, Cretan drivers are an “unruly” lot. A press release issued by the Regional Directorate on traffic checks carried out last week, reveals high levels in offences of speeding, non-use of crash helmets and seat belts and, significantly, driving without a valid licence. The latter is particularly significant, since drivers without a valid licence are uninsured, thus creating extra hazard in the case of an accident.
The full text of the press release, which includes a plea to citizens to concern themselves with road safety, is as follows.
Press Release, Chania, 27th January 2025
Intensive traffic police checks in the Region of Crete
As part of targeted activities for the prevention of road accidents and the safe movement of vehicles and citizens, traffic checks were carried out in the Region of Crete during the period 19th to 25th January. The aim of the checks was to improve the level of road safety among citizens.
Police patrols carried out intensive checks on vehicles in different areas of Crete, carrying out 8,663 checks on vehicles and identifying 2,313 offences, as follows:
| Excessive speed | 302 |
| Non-use of crash helmet | 182 |
| Non-use of seat belt | 160 |
| Driving without a valid licence | 204 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol | 88 |
| Use of a mobile phone | 54 |
| Driving in the opposite lane | 36 |
| Illegal overtaking | 44 |
| Illegal manoeuvres | 60 |
| Passing a red light | 31 |
| Other offences | 1,152 |
Citizens are reminded that correct road behaviour by users of the road network and the observance of traffic regulations are basic prerequisites both for safe travel and for the avoidance of traffic accidents. We must not forget that road safety concerns all of us.
Driving safety means you should:
— Learn and apply the Highway Code.
— Not drive after taking alcoholic drinks.
— Observe speed limits.
— Not overtake illegally.
— Not pass red lights.
— Stop and give priority at STOP signs.
— Give priority to pedestrians and people with special needs.
— Obey the signals and directions of traffic police.
— Always wear a seat belt.
— Put children in the back seat of the car and secure their seat belt.
— When driving or riding as passenger on a motorcycle, always wear a crash helmet.
— Check the vehicle you are going to drive before setting out.
For more useful advice on the subject of road safety and avoiding traffic accidents, citizens can visit the web page of the Hellenic Police at http://www.hellenicpolice.gr [some English content].
Road safety is a matter for all of us. Increased awareness, a change of mentality, a change of culture and of our education, is long overdue in order to finally put a stop to traffic accidents. Let this be our message and our way of thinking, so that we no longer have to mourn victims on the road.
(https://www.astynomia.gr)