Cyprus cracks down on smoking in cars

In Cyprus, lighting up a cigarette in your car could cost you a hefty sum if kids are riding along. It's one of those lesser-known traffic violations that could hit your wallet hard - a whopping 300 euros!

Why so strict? Well, smoking isn't just a personal choice; it's a serious health hazard, especially for kids. The Cyprus Addictions Authority says smoking is the number one public health issue worldwide. It's linked to millions of preventable deaths every year. Imagine this: male smokers lose around 13 years of their lives, while female smokers lose about 14.5 years! Shocking, right?

But here's the kicker: nearly half of all smokers worldwide die early because of smoking-related diseases. And in Europe, where one in three people smokes, a staggering 650,000 folks kick the bucket each year due to smoking.

Cyprus isn't immune to this problem either. Smoking-related deaths account for about 12-13% of all deaths in people aged 35 and up. That's a big number - around 600-700 Cypriot smokers pass away every year because of smoking-related illnesses. And get this: it's way more than the number of people who die in traffic accidents, which is around 120 annually.

So, next time you're tempted to light up in your car, think twice - not just for your wallet's sake, but for your health and the health of those around you, especially the kids.

[Source: 24News]