Driving habits

If Peter G. Holdroyd (March 25) has driven in Malta before he should be well aware of driving habits here.

First of all there is a Highway Code booklet which does not seem to be too different from the British one. When I returned to Malta after many years of absence I tried to borrow one but, invariably, every person I asked, even relatively new drivers, had got rid of it as soon as they got their drivers' licence.

After a few futile visits to bookstores I eventually was told where I could definitely get a copy. One of the motor licensing offices in Floriana stocks them.

Here's what I observe. A few weeks ago a mayor was being interviewed on the news. While he was extolling the virtues of traffic changes that happened in his domain the cameraman filmed what looked like the main road of the locality. At least three cars were double parked, hazard lights on, of course. At least one of those cars was a car length away from a space next to the kerb where it could be out of the way of moving traffic. There were other drivers turning left and right onto another road without signalling (must save those lights to put hazard lights on when double parking illegally) and accelerating through Stop signs.

So, dear visitor, just make sure that you have hazard lights that function!

Recently, on the radio, we had a lady with a nice English voice asking "If you are in your car... child crosses... time to stop". It seemed every time I turned on my radio she was there. All the children must have heeded her warning as I haven't heard her for a while. I wish that she would come back with "...are you signalling your intentions...", "...are you giving way to vehicles going uphill...", "...looking ahead for hazards, pedestrian crossings..."? If she would gradually go through The Highway Code maybe, just maybe, drivers will become more responsible. At least they will be more aware and informed. Pedestrians could do their part as well. Acknowledge the courteous drivers who gave you right of way. Give them a thank you smile or wave. It will make drivers feel good and more prone to obey the law.

Wardens, or their equivalent, are the same everywhere. Most of them are helpful especially with strangers, some should not be trusted with the responsibility. Unfortunately we hear more about the latter.