The European Commission launched a short video competitiontargeting youth aged 18-30 to highlight the  importance of traffic safety and to raise awareness amongst youth about preventative measures. The traffic safety video competition is organised in collaboration with Traffic Accidents Prevention Association, Traffic Department and TRAKAYAD. The launch of the competition took place on 11 November at the EU Infopoint in Nicosia. After the opening speeches by Mr.George Markopouliotis and Ms.Nazmiye Çelebi, the jury members and representatives of partner organizations and experts from the field of video/film production Assist. Prof. Hüseyin Sevay, Assist. Prof. Yetin Arslan, Dr. Mehmet Avcı, Mehmet Ekin Vaiz, and Yeliz Shukri made speeches about the importance of traffic safety and they encouraged young people to take part in the competition. 

The aim of the competition is to raise awareness on the importance of traffic safety and on the main causes of traffic crashes and how to prevent them by encouraging young people to reflect on traffic safety and to think about preventative measures and messages. Some reflection questions could include “What will I do to help save lives in traffic?” or “What will I do to help save lives and prevent serious injury in traffic?” “What can others do?” or “What needs to be done?” The format of the videos can be, but are not limited to, animation, selfie, documentary, public service announcement or fiction. The duration will be maximum 2 minutes.
The launch event aimed to inform potential participants, and encourage them to participate in the competition. A video workshop for individuals who would like to improve their video production skills and better understand the theme of traffic safety was organised on Thursday, 8 December at the EU Infopoint. For more information about the competition and to participate, you may contact the EU Infopoint.