Unsafe driving

I read the report on driving in Malta (February 17) with interest. Apparently we can congratulate ourselves on having the safest roads in the EU.

I agree with traffic expert Joe Micallef Stafrace that the short distances are a factor in limiting opportunities to accelerate. He is also right when he points out that the use of speed cameras and the narrowing of some roads also affect the levels of speed. However, his assertion that most drivers respect people is hardly in evidence in today's Malta.

Road rage is common, very few drivers give way, many overtake on bends, many zig-zag through tunnels at high speed, many double park and leave the vehicle unattended, the indicator is a fashion accessory, and in Malta the motto is "if there's a space, fill it" thus ensuring that very few drivers drive at safe breaking distances.

And what about respect (and concern) within one's own family - how many parents strap young children in safely? The sight of a two-year-old sucking a dummy and standing looking back through the rear window is common.

In fairness, apart from the national psyche, successive governments have failed to really address issues of road safety properly. Was there a national campaign of education when roundabouts were introduced? Are parents forcibly encouraged to strap in their young children?

Furthermore, drivers are still not discouraged from "cruising" in the outside lane and, in addition, what is the national speed limit? - on the Mriehel Bypass, which permits maximum speed, many drivers slow right down to 60kph, often in the outside lane, while others continue at up to 80kph.

The short distances are a factor in our "good" road safety record. Perhaps a more prevalent scenario is that most drivers drive in a similar fashion and are, therefore, used to expecting the unexpected.