The upcoming review of the Takata airbag inquiry is crucial, as it addresses serious safety concerns that have already claimed lives. Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed that the findings from the investigative committee will be completed by September 10.
The committee, which comprises members from the department of road transport, electromechanical services, and police, has commenced its work. Vafeades is expected to meet with the committee in early September to finalise the study, with the aim of presenting recommendations to the road safety council for formal adoption.
In tandem with the inquiry, the ministry has initiated a public information campaign, which began in August and will run until the end of September. This campaign serves as a reminder to vehicle owners that the eight-month recall period for cars identified in February will conclude on October 3. After this deadline, any vehicle that has not undergone the necessary recall will lose its roadworthiness certificate, rendering it illegal for use on public roads.
Vafeades has urged car owners to act without delay, noting that while authorised distributors have availability for appointments, the uptake among drivers has been disappointingly low. “This shows people themselves are not moving forward with recalls, even though appointments are available,” he stated.
The minister also emphasised the ongoing risk posed by the faulty airbags, calling for public cooperation to ensure safety. In cases where distributors are unable to provide appointments, vehicle owners are encouraged to reach out to the department of road transport for assistance.
It’s important to highlight that airbag replacements performed by private mechanics are not recognised as valid. Only authorised distributors are permitted to carry out these replacements to ensure safety and prevent potentially hazardous airbags from entering the secondary market.
The Takata airbag crisis has become one of the largest safety recalls in history, with its implications felt worldwide. In Cyprus alone, the defective airbags have led to two confirmed fatalities. In 2023, Kyriakos Oxinos suffered fatal injuries when metal fragments from a malfunctioning airbag struck him during a collision. The following year, Styliani Giorgalli died as a result of a defective airbag that caused severe injuries to her aorta and lung in a traffic accident.