Cyclist dies in Majorcan traffic accident

A lone cyclist tragically died in Majorca yesterday after being involved in an accident along the Palma to Sineu road. The accident happened at 10.30am on the very day that traffic chiefs announced a new campaign to improve road safety. According to sources at the 112 emergency centre, the cyclist, who was not carrying any identification, was apparently hit by a vehicle on the outskirts of the capital. A team of Insalud paramedics and an ambulance rushed to the scene, with police support, and battled against the clock to try and save the cyclist, believed to be in his early thirties. Sadly there was little that could have been done to save the victim's life and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Yesterday it was announced that tough new legislation against drinking and driving is to be introduced by the Traffic Department, which is also planning a state-of-the-art crackdown on speeding and other traffic infringements. The proposed modifications to the traffic rules and regulations will involve one of the biggest shake ups ever and could also include driving tests being made harder. This year the number of fatal accidents on the country roads has fallen by seven per cent, but traffic police chiefs and the government want to reduce the death toll further. The first phase of the traffic campaign will involve the installation of new laser speed-traps as part of the crack down on speeding. The director general of the Traffic Department, Carlos Muñoz-Repiso, said over the weekend that if they can reduce the speed at which people are driving by an average of five kilometres per hour, a significant number of lives will be saved. With the launch of the new laser controls at the end of the summer, Guardia Civil highway patrols are also to be increased around the clock. The modifications will also include recommendations that medicines which have certain side effects on drivers, are produced with a new symbol alerting patients to the possible consequences.