Updated: Man dies, two critically injured in traffic accident

Peter Murray

Sep 8th 2008, 14:11

Why do we continuously utilise that ubiquitous expression " driver lost control of their vehicle" without ever quantifying or rationalising this easy to use but imprecise explanation(!).One seldom loses control of one's vehicle unless some gross aberration of correct driving procedure and law has been seriously broken-this assertion not being a tablet of stone but invariably true.Whilst sincere condolences must be expressed to the families who have lost loved ones my concern this is-why is it deemed perfectly safe to allow a 18 year old to drive a vehicle on our roads yet one is not allowed to hire a vehicle until one attains the age of 25?It would appear that safety considerations take a back seat to financial aspects in this regard ,and finally I was always taught that ultimately it is the overtakers who will always accommodate the undertakers! Sad but true.

AnnMarie Pawley

Sep 8th 2008, 10:36

I don't know why everyone seems intent on condemning the driver of the Mazda.

Could it be that he was swerving to avoid one of the numerous potholes, or a double-parked car, or even some pedestrian who thinks that walking on a pavement is uncool and that the driver of the Mercedes was overspeeding and could not stop in time? This can be another theory I think. I know that the report says the Mazda driver lost control of the car, but were there actual eye witnesses who could testify this?

Donna Degaetano

Sep 8th 2008, 10:03

@ K.Muscat
One should never be in a hurry when he's behind the wheel! One should plan ahead and leave to go wherever he has to go with plenty of time to get there without driving like mad!

Charles Micallef

Sep 7th 2008, 16:50

@Karl Muscat,

The younger generation I am refering to, are the driving infants who just passed their driving tests, and drive cars like bullets, yes. kARL they are all over our roads. They are just taught enough driving skills to pass a test!

If you have been driving legally for 8 years, you are obviously a big boy now and not the age bracket I am referring to!

Please be assured that I am not getting at the youngsters as I have two of my own, and I am forever preaching to them! My Driving Instructor who taught me how to handle a car safely , or as safe as possible many years ago in UK, gave me some good advice which is still ringing in my ears today.................................

NEVER TAKE THE RIGHT OF WAY, BUT ALWAYS WAIT TILL IT IS GIVEN TO YOU!
Drive sensibly, Drive safely!

Chris Farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 16:48

I just came from a driving holiday and in Verona there were roadblocks (in and out of the town) in the late night to test ALL drivers to see if they are under the influence of alcohol and drugs. I later found out that they are a regular procedure. How about something similar in Malta especially around the popular night spots?

D.Farrugia

Sep 7th 2008, 15:20

I don't know why "you" always ask for more police enforcements to control the traffic and careless driving. I think that its up to the driver to know his limits and to pay attention for the road conditions. I was involved in serious traffic accident on the same road but near the school. I didn't had time to realize what just had happened and why i was looking on the other direction, the road was already closed and the traffic diverted. It took only a couple of minutes for the ambo. to arrive and for the civil protection to help me out emerge from the wreckage. The response time was impressive and i lost the count on how many policemen where at the scene of the accident. Not considering the officers and nurses who gave the first aid too who eere off duty. thank God that they are well trained for such accidents!!!

Thanks
Daniel

Christopher Rizzo

Sep 7th 2008, 14:31

In the last five days two people involved in car accidents have died. My condolences to the families.
Why is it that the breathalyzer test seems to have evaporated from our roads?...
Are blood alcohol levels measured in car drivers involved in fatal accidents?
can the police commisioner give us an answer please?

Noel Enriquez

Sep 7th 2008, 14:06

Dear Mr. Gauci,

I can assure you that fines regarding double and illegal parking are issued frequently, especially round these areas of St. Julian's. Unfortunately the law does not impose harsh penalties on such offences. The courts are the cherry on the cake, since most persons walk out of there with a slap on the wrist for serious crimes such as driving under influence. The police did their job since the person has been arraigned in court. On the other hand, how many times do you expect a police man to tell people 'ad nauseam' not to drive on the outside lane, for example (since those are the people that cause most accidents)? Nobody can be perfect behind the wheel so police apply discretion on minor offences committed innocently. However serious offences are not flexible and the person is taken to court. It's not the job of the police to scentence a person on a drivig crime, but the court of magistrates' job, and the magistrate has parameters within which he has to act in. Stopping abruptly is no contravention, and neither is driving with your headlamps on. Besides, police presence is not rare I can assure you!

Karl Muscat

Sep 7th 2008, 10:47

@Charles Micallef

Why do you think that the younger generation are the worst drivers?? I have been driving for 8 years and I am sick to the stomach EVERY day when I encounter elderly people, women and men driving at 35kph on the fast lane, side by side to another car on the slow lane driving at the same speed. I can VERY confidently say that the ratio of these people is 10:1 when compared to the younger generation found driving like this. Why does someone who is in a hurry have to honk the horn every 5 metres because there is someone blocking the fast lane for nothing?? Mind you, 99% of the cases, the cars in front either dont care, or swear back at you. I think that a good starting point is the driving test. It should stop being such a farse as is now. Going for the test 6/8 times before getting your license isn't a good test...it's just another money making factory. Second, the test should be re-taken by everyone every 10/15 years. In 15 years cars change, people's mentality change and the amount of cars on the streets increases. Everyone needs to update.

Chris Sciberras

Sep 7th 2008, 06:58

@ K.Cassar
And what about returning back home. Do you think they will be sober by then. This has nothing to do with the subject. He who wants to buy cheap drinks, can buy them from any supermarket and drain it anywhere in St Julians area.

Rita Axisa

Sep 7th 2008, 01:43

What about having breatheliser random checks along the roads especially Saturday night? This is very common practice in Australia and if found positive after the breatheliser test, you have to pay for it, really hard! I experienced it myself yesterday, while driving home after a family wedding, (I was not the driver), we were pulled in by a police car round about midnight a few minutes away from home, he asked the driver for the driving licence and if he had had any alcohol. The driver said that he had one about 4 hours before, the police placed the breatheliser in front of the driver's mouth and made him say his name and address. This was enough to check the level of alcohol (which was below the limit). Why is the breatheliser test used only after an accident has happened or during the Christmas festivities in Malta?

victor vella

Sep 6th 2008, 23:07

@ A.Daley. Are you Maltese?

victor vella

Sep 6th 2008, 23:04

@K.Cassar The custom of drinking at the village before one goes out was allready used in the 70's I remember drinking at the club because booze was cheaper then at night spots.What one needs is a few good reliable police officers in plain clothes doing the rounds in Malta checking that no one sells or gives drinks to underage persons,that anyone inder the influence of alchohol is rounded up and made to spend the night at a police stationnot in a cell not charged unless he/she causes a disturbance just protective custody and if anyone sells alcohol or beer to underage persons then the law should fall on them like a ton of bricks.Thats the only way forward in my opinion.

Marcel Dingli

Sep 6th 2008, 18:48

I havnt read all the comments. Stopped at Sandro Pace. Well it seems some wardens are over zealous, i was booked for using a mobile while driving , when i have NOT had a mobile for at least the past 3 years. I feel prudence from both drivers and law enforcement officials is important. I `ll continue reading the comments now.

Ronnie Gauci

Sep 6th 2008, 18:43

@ Mr. Hili and Mr. Enriquez

The amount of fines handed out to people who drive in a careless manner (eg no indicator, double parking, stopping abruptly, use headlamps when they are not supposed to etc) speak for themselves. If they did so I don't think that 90% of drivers still carry on behaving this way even in the rare presence of a police car, our police force lost all respect I'm sorry to say and that's the reason our population is so undisciplined together with lenient sentences handed out by our Courts. The amount of people arraigned in Court for driving dangerously (eg high speeds, drunk etc) also speaks for itself.

Why abroad you rarely get away with it even though they live in big countries like Canada, USA and Australia with long deserted highways? In Malta you have to kill somebody first to be tested or arraigned even if you do so in a town centre with schools nearby. I rarely read of such arraignments if any.

Unluckily in Malta the police force limit their duties not to prevent crimes but to intervene after these occur.

Joe vella

Sep 6th 2008, 18:33

Most accidents are as a result of speeding and overtaking of vechiels when it shoud not happen. It is about time more enforecment is made in this ragards.

Alexander Barbara

Sep 6th 2008, 18:19

Roads in Malta help you to have an accident either be new or old (they are in the same shit) although authorities (MLP and PN) have been promising us, now for more than 30 years!! that they will fix them “bla bla bla” as always. The most important thing is that they will introduce more automated tax collectors for driving at 73KMH. Having said that, still many maltese drivers lack serious discipline in driving. Red light offenders on the increase, stop sign means slow or keep going, double white lines means overtake, drive slow in the so called outer lane and so on and so forth.

K. Cassar

Sep 6th 2008, 17:50

Although this comment doesn't really relate with the article above I wish to comment on the new law that excludes people from drinking outside in the paceville area. This is leading to a lot of youngsters that are drinking in other areas or at friend's apartment and then drive drunk all the way to paceville which is ofcourse very dangerous. Drinks from the bars are expensive and students cannot afford to drink from the bars every week, but this law will surely not stop them from drinking. As a result, they are buying cheap bottles from the supermarkerts and drink at their town or village and then drive to paceville. People will always find loop holes to the laws so instead of just banning alcohol in the streets, the goverment should look at other options first to avoid drink driving to Paceville.

MG Buttigieg

Sep 6th 2008, 17:19

@ alfred fenech
Mr. Fenech you have chosen to denigrate driving in Gozo. Well I hail from Gozo but I am often in Malta with my car. I do not consider myself a snail driver on the road but it is seems that Maltese drivers are all the time in a hurry. They honk their way through criss crossing lanes.(I believe they see too much Formula 1) Here in Gozo you will never get honked about!! So I believe it is not the authorities fault, nor is it the roads that are bad. It is the Maltese drivers who are in a hurry zooming about on their four wheels forgetting that that they are only on a small island and that there are other people on the road. So shall we all slow down to an accepatable pace.

CHRISTOPHER RIZZO

Sep 6th 2008, 17:02

Too many lives have been lost this year in traffic accidents? This carnage must stop
WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE BREATHALYZER TEST on our rouds??? i have never been stopped to perform the test. has anyone??? how many more lives have to be lost before we do something
what about more traffic police on our roads?

Tim Ripard

Sep 6th 2008, 16:53

First my condolences to the family of the deceased and I wish a speedy recovery to the injured.
Why so many people blame the government for a traffic accident is ridiculous. In the final analysis, even if the road surface IS dangerous, poorly lit or badly cambered, the driver should be aware of this and drive accordingly. A car is a killing machine - and I should know, my youngest son and I were almost killed by a driver who literally flew over the central strip at Bombi when he lost control at extremely high speed - and, barring gross neglicence in road maintenance or signage, it is the driver's responsibility to drive safely. I do not know about the circumstances of this accident, but, judging from the report, one or both of the drivers must have been driving beyond the limits of safety for the conditions at the time. Maltese roads are a jungle, largely populated by wild animals in driving terms and require extreme caution when driving. Until ALL drivers drive with great caution, there will be deaths and maiming on our roads, no matter what the government does.

Charles Micallef

Sep 6th 2008, 16:45

@Kevin Barun,
totally agree with your comments, this system imposed is rediculous, 5km ph over the limit and you will get the same fines someone doing 100km over the limit! I remember a Minister telling us on a TV interview that the law was to be adjusted, this was some 2 years since, and we are still waiting!

@Pierre Lauri,
What you said is correct and what is even worse, is letting children ride in the front seat without a proper harness!

@Brian Smith,
The mentalility that you do not drive 'period' if you have been drinking has not filtered in to Maltese drivers and this is all because of poor enforcement, full stop!
We seem to think that drinking driving is accetable if we attend a social function, the authorities seem to close one eye for such occasions, as if not why are they not standing a few metres away from a wedding function, having a hay day booking drivers well over the limit?

The only way that you will stop drunk drivers is Zero Tollerance for all drivers and not wait till an accident happens and someone's dies to take action!

Paul Barrett

Sep 6th 2008, 16:10

First, my condolences to the family of the deceased - whatever the cause of the accident.

@ M. Ferri. Thank you for describing the location of the accident as I could not find the road described in the article in the business directory and even if I had identified the road, it would have been hard to work out exactly where along the road the accident happened.

That particular part of the road is appalling both during the day and at night. The white lines are virtually invisible; the pedestrian crossing lights are difficult to see especially during the day time (Overhead lights required). The street lighting at night increases the danger as it actually creates deep shadows (lights should be on BOTH sides of the road to prevent shadows). When the sports ground lights are on they blind drivers and should be shielded from the road. There are also a number of pot holes around that stretch that need filling as well as sunken drain covers that need leveling. All the above increase the dangers of hitting another vehicle or pedestrian, even when no other factors are involved.

John Grima

Sep 6th 2008, 16:08

Most accidents can be avoided if people drive sensibly and according to the weather conditions and the condition of the road. Many roads in Malta are only wide enough for two cars to go through so putting crash barriers in the middle of the road will make it impossible for any emergency vehicle like an ambulance to overtake any traffic in front of it when answering an emergency call.

Here in the UK we have wider roads and better constructed roads with all the road markings visible and we also have a very strict driving test, however, we still have many road deaths mainly due to errors and misjudgements by drivers, especially the younger ones. It is also a proven fact that most accidents on the roads are caused by speed.

Philip Paris

Sep 6th 2008, 16:03

Speed kills.
The government needs to have stiffer penilties and more police to inforce speeding laws.
Anyone caught or reported several times for speeding should have there licences revoked for 1 year and there cars taken away for 1 year. It is called tough love and common sence.
But this is Malta, let the innocent and relatives suffer at the hands of the F1 drivers.

Charles Camilleri

Sep 6th 2008, 15:17

@ A Daley. like we used to do during the labour Administration.

P. Attard

Sep 6th 2008, 15:10

I have to agree with C. Damato as well. Certain roads in Malta require crash barriers to be put in place (both at the side and middle of the road). 'Hitting rubble walls', 'crashing into trees' and 'going on the other side of the road'! All these accidents cause deaths and serious injuries that are easily avoided by proper planning for safer roads.

Patrick Anastasi

Sep 6th 2008, 14:57

@ Mr Daley.

You mentioned the list, sarcastically. Perhaps there would be a DELAY as what you wrote and the accident in question have no relation.

We are all in debit to THE TIMES to leave us put our pen to paper (actually typing) and enjoy such a BIG privilege to express ourselves.

People who live in GREENHOUSES should not throw....

Hoe you got the message my friend.

M. Ferri

Sep 6th 2008, 14:18

Dear A. Saliba, I was coming back home from work when I found my road complete shut off and witnessed the whole scene. The accident took place right opposite Luxol car park, by the pedestrian crossing next to Wembley’s petrol station. The Mazda was driving towards Paceville and the Mercedes coming from it. Not a pretty sight, trust me.

Condolences to the families involved.

Charles Micallef

Sep 6th 2008, 13:57

We can talk until the cows come home as most traffic accidents (and I am not referring to any particular accidents) are caused by bad driving, we can blame everyone around us, but the facts are that there is an element of drivers especially the younger generation who are not taught enough of the rules, but thought just enough how to handle a car to pass the test!

W need educating, followed by CONSISTENT ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW . The ADT should start a campaign and send a copy of the Highway Code to each and every household, as be assured that some of the drivers never seen a copy let alone ever learned it contents!!!!!

TRW O'Neill

Sep 6th 2008, 13:43

I recall a couple of years ago, reading an article in the Sunday Times, that Bar owners caused such a fuss about the loss of profits from their patrons due to Breathalizers, that a great number of them were withdrawn from police on the beat. I recall the story of the Drunk who knocked down an M.P,s father, he was not charged until a paper gave it publicity. a Police sergeant when asked why he had not booked him , replied that he was reluctant to show his insurance! Would I be right to suspect that he was bought off? The PS should have been suspended on no pay , to teach him to do what he was being paid to do. 2nd offence demoted to PC , 3rd sacked. this might prompt others to start arresting drunks & to get them off the roads.

I.Galea

Sep 6th 2008, 13:33

i can't see why the government gets the blame for every single thing that happens in the Malta. cars crash everywhere, in every single country. regardless of who's running the country, or how well-planned the roads are. its a fact. cars crash. people drink and drive, they fall asleep at the wheel, music's too loud to pay attention to the road, pedestrians come out of nowhere, brakes go haywire, greased roads...and the list goes on.

cut the government some slack for once. and lets take responsibility for our own actions instead of projecting them someplace else. i'm not saying whose fault the accidents were. however we must acknowledge all possibilities and leave them at that until we know the facts, instead of just hastily pointing our fingers at the authorities.

my heart goes out to the families of those involved in these accidents...and i wish the victims a speedy recovery.

A Daley

Sep 6th 2008, 13:33

State of the art Hospitals

State of the art Hospital food

State of the art A & E services

State of the art Gas Installation

State of the art Power Station

State of the art roads surfacing

State of the art Policing

We now have State of the art Accidents

When is the public going to grow up and start taking the authorities to court for their failings?

Ben Deguara

Sep 6th 2008, 13:09

First of all to let Mr. Alfred Fenech know that although what he said about insurances not covering drunk drivers was also my beleive until I got involved in an incident with a drunk driver a few months back ,that it is not true that the insurance does not cover them. What you need is a good lawyer when you fight it in court because the insurance has to pay and then seek payment from the man that has a policy with it. So that's what I was thinking after I had the accident, that now since the other driver was drunk,insurance will not pay and I have to fork out the money myself. I got a good lawyer and Mr.Fenech guess what, his insurance had to pay to the last cent and is now seeking payment from him in court. So don't worry about insurances not paying when God forbid anyone has an accident when a drunk driver is involved. THE INSURANCE MUST PAY. Just to put your mind at rest Mr.Fenech because I had the same fear before, that insurances won't pay if a driver is drunk. Marica I never said that the driver was drunk did I?

Josephine Remmer

Sep 6th 2008, 13:01

Once again another fatality on the Maltese roads. When oh when are the authorities going to wake up and start doing something about the way the Maltese drive? The roads are awful, the road signs are non existent and the police just dont do enough to curb people from driving like they are all Michael Schumacher. Do they have a drink drive limit in Malta or not? Just count the number of people leaving Paceville or any pub or club and then driving home. It is frightening to say the least.
Wake up Malta and do something about it before its too late.
My condolences to the families involved and lets hope for a speedy recovery.

A. Saliba

Sep 6th 2008, 12:59

Does anybody know whether the accident happened in the busy part of St. Andrew's road, ie near the terminus in paceville, or in the arterial part of the road just after the traffic lights that lead to Pembroke?

Joseph E Briffa

Sep 6th 2008, 12:54

I would suggest that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights a couple of traffic policemen are posted in the vicinity of Paceville to monitor car drivers leaving the Paceville bars. Cars at random are flagged down and a breathalyser test carried out; if the driver fails the test, he/she should not be allowed to drive on and he/she should be arrested on the spot. The driver should obviously then be taken to Court. I believe this should act as a deterrent to anybody irresponsible enough to be prepared to drive under the influence of drink. After a weekend of this kind of supervision, the word goes round and any responsible driver will refrain from driving knowing full well what's in store for him/her. Needless to say this should be an ongoing exercise.

r mayl

Sep 6th 2008, 12:35

Hardly a mention that the road may have played a highly significant part in yet another untimely death, possibly deaths. Incredible how the media always report that the "driver lost control of his vehicle" - guilty before proven so. The ppl commenting here are also presuming that the driver is at fault. Did any of you, including the reporter visit the site? Was there diesel on the road, humidity, water (possibly from someone's pool or even someone back yard)???? Does anyone actually know? Even the smallest amount of foreign substance on our sub-standard road surfaces, make driving locally a very dangerous prospect. Surely we all know that our roads are so devoid of grip that our tyres last way beyond their expected life (visually last that is) – this in itself is enough of an indicator of how bad our grip levels are. Yes measures must be introduced to educate and instil discipline in our drivers but the first priority lies with the authorities to provide roads that are indeed safe to drive on.

My sincere condolences to the families and friends of all those involved in yet another tragic accident.

A. Hili

Sep 6th 2008, 12:31

R. Gauci,

I don't know about you but every day when I am driving to or from work or at night going out I always pass by a mobile squade car! For these past 5 years police presence on the roads has increased but you cannot expect to see police cars every 5 mins or parked on every corner as we see on movies since to do this we need a bigger force. And please don't insult anyone by saying 'then lets increase the force' cause its easier said than done, since you cannot force people to join the force.

Apart from that there is much more than mobile squad that needs more and more human power to keep up with the demands the Police force is facing every day. We should be proud that with limited resources they still manage to do a good job and get results, and in a 12 hour shift manage to find 2 minutes to stop and have a well deserved break and eat on the go rather than relaxed, sitting down comfortable eating home made food at the canteen as most of us do at work.

J. Caruana

Sep 6th 2008, 12:29

Speeding in Malta has become excessive especially during the early hours!!! More patrols and police enforcement pls!!

Noel Enriquez

Sep 6th 2008, 12:07

Dear Mr. R. Gauci,

"You never see a patrolling police car and when you see one most probably they will be on their way to buy pastizzis or other take away food for them and their colleagues at the station. " Do you know police vehicles are 'Datatrakked"? Do you know that if a police officer has to exceed normal driving speeds a report must be written, to write a report there must be a reason, so for driving faster there must be a reason too. Why are you insinuating such comments on the police, when they will definately cast a bad shadow on ALL our emergency services? I was there last night, and thank God, Police, Ambulance, and Civil Protection all arrived in the nick of time, and not to eat pastizzi, but to try and stop casualties from mounting! Grow up!

Brian Smith

Sep 6th 2008, 11:17

I have driven in Malta numerous times and no one gives way they just drive straight at you, and at a roundabout it is everyone for themselves. The driving test is a joke, af friend of mine took a test in Malta and basically it was up to the roundabout and back and reverse between cones. At one time it was a joke that the Maltese drive in the shade but the number of accidents happen in Malta are due only to irresponsible driving and that is certainly no joke and needs to be addressed, a car in the wrong hands is a dangerous weapon.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the families that have lost loved ones in this serious car crash

ALBERT FENECH

Sep 6th 2008, 11:09

Can the Police Commissioner please tell us (and he is the man responsible) how many Police Cordons have been thrown around Paceville every week-end (or even daily) , between 9pm and 6 am the following morning, since 1st January 2008, with instructions to carry out Breathyliser Tests on ALL motorists driving out of the area; how many tests have been carried out; how many people have failed the test and how many people have been taken to Court after failing the test?

Additionally, how many tests have been carried out during village festas, and what have been the results?

The statistics should make interesting reading - UNLESS they can be counted on the fingers of one hand.

c.camenzuli

Sep 6th 2008, 11:06

And another weekend news to report. Definitely more drastic measures are to be in force for drivers as far as alchohol consumption is concerned and definitely for overspeeding. Let more cameras be installed.....let more traffic police be on the spot and let there be more fines for the Tom, Dick and Harry who over the weekend at times want to rule the world......at the sake of their and other's lives.

Pierre Lauri

Sep 6th 2008, 11:03

I think its about time a new system (similair to the emissions) is introduced. Other drivers should start reporting wreckless drivers, and after lets say 3 reports, he is then called by police giving him a warning. If reports after the warning keep coming in, then a fine would be applicable.
Another suggestion would be to introduce fixed policemen / traffic wardens in main arteries (as most accidents occur in the same roads). Similair to police in foreign highways.
Strict fines should be applicable, or even removal of licences!!!!
Unfortunately some drivers do not even respect the "baby on board" sticker.....
Lets all be repsonsible drivers!!!!!!!!

john borg

Sep 6th 2008, 10:56

Maybe just coincidence, but it's another Friday night, on a strech of road leading to/from Paceville. This road is deadly for a number of reasons, but the main culprits are spped, drink and the road design itself. What is stopping the ADT from dividing this road into a dual carriage way, thus eliminating the danger of head on collisions caused by reckless drivers overtaking where they shouldn't? As the road is till now, it practically coaxes drivers into overtaking due to the abnormally wide strech in the ex forum hotel area. The design also lacks proper camber, adding to the danger, not to mention the horrendous road surface. From St.Andrews to Maghtab, the road could easily be divided. Reckless drivers are not dettered by doulbe white lines (if they are even visable in the first place) therefore roads must be built to prevent and not to deter.

Ian Alamango

Sep 6th 2008, 10:53

and another thing - the farse is also in the VRT system of vehicles, just pay some extra cash to pass the test, then we end up with scrap cars in the roads! Some of them ending with brake failures, headlamps not working, brake lights not working! and these are some things that can increase chances of accidents and casualties. Apart from the number of modified cars in the roads that should be used just for track purposes and are used to perform stunts in roads just like Fast and the Furious!!


Condolence to the Family

Anthony Formosa

Sep 6th 2008, 10:51

Before starting blaming everyone without any clue why not look into other serious matters, the Maltese roads are the worse in the world, I've been in third world countries driving for about 3 hrs and you feel like in a plane. Where are the MEPs and the EU to check the standards of our roads as these is one of the major causes of accidents. If the road surface is not good the car will loose 50% of the grip which eventually will loose control.

Vincent Galea

Sep 6th 2008, 10:49

Was someone negligent ? whose fault was it ?............setting out to find the villain, accusing others for being responsible for their misery...........only makes a lonely person more lonelier.
Life has to be lived for something, not just against something.

Ian Alamango

Sep 6th 2008, 10:48

2 serious accidents in less than 10 hours! first at naxxar than this one. I am amazed by the incompetance of the concerned authorities in doing something to overcome this driving problem in Malta. First of all as many commented, the enforcement of breathilizers should be well considered now and it should be a must! the number of people drinking and driving in weekends is impressive and if they do not respect themselves driving in that state, at least they must respect others and minimize the chance of accidents. The other thing is that probably now a speed camera will be installed in the vicinity of both accidents in Naxxar and St julians to cover up the tragedy like they did in zebbug some time ago after 5 were killed in an accident and the speed camera in Mriehel when 2 girls were hit. That's what the authorities can do to show people that control is monitored in roads! But as the majority of drivers do, they see the signs, reduce speed drastically to 70km/h and then off to Jet racing again!! We need some education and enforcements

Mario Bonnici

Sep 6th 2008, 10:31

The problem in Malta is not only of drivers under the effect of alcohol, but also of irresponsable drivers that think they are taking part in a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Joe Fenech

Sep 6th 2008, 10:21

Thank you Joseph Attard for saving me from writing a detailed comment. You said it all. Mr Deguara seems to be one of the good guys out there. Just this week I had two taxi drivers swearing at me and using their horn to intimidate just because you sound your horn when they are coming straight into you when switching lanes (in the slow lane!) like Nicolas Cage in Gone In 60 Seconds.

I may as well agree on the use of the breathalyzer, but also on the introduction of some kind of monitoring an all means of public transport!

Kevin Barun

Sep 6th 2008, 10:11

The regulations regarding speed limit is very absurd...
If the speed limit is 80kmh and you are driving at 85 you will be fined the same as someone driving at 140kmh

The regulations should change to 5Euros per extra km!
That way who drives 85 will pay 25E and the one at 140 will pay 300E!

joe borg

Sep 6th 2008, 10:03

Sorry, but where in the article is written that it was a taxi ? I hope that you are not one of the drivers that drive with 30 km in the middle of the street and because someone beeps the horn or blinks the beam to go on the side you offend him !! I agree that most drivers have no idea of what`s going on but please don`t blame everyone.

Charles Micallef

Sep 6th 2008, 09:54

I happened to be driving by at the time of the Qawra - motorbike accident, I saw the guy laying on the floor, and the one thing that I did noticed, he was not even wearing a crash helmet!

Poor chap, let us hope that he will recover!

Ronnie Gauci

Sep 6th 2008, 09:54

Driving in Malta is becoming very dangerous not because of the roads but because of careless drivers, sometimes while you are driving you think you finished in the middle of a F1 race. And amidst all this? You never see a patrolling police car and when you see one most probably they will be on their way to buy pastizzis or other take away food for them and their colleagues at the station. How can we pretend to have breathalizer tests when we don't have police officers to perform them? But the biggest farse of all are the speed cameras, hundreds of metres before you drive past it you start seeing signs to inform you there is one, obviously everyone slows down upon seeing such signs. Welcome to Malta! Thank God our roads are in such state as we would have dozens of such accidents daily. I always like to say, "the Maltese people have the roads they deserve", unluckily us careful drivers have to pay the price with them.

R. C Conti

Sep 6th 2008, 09:49

I do not want to throw the blame on anybody involved in this accident as I wasn't present but I find it very unfair that we blame the authorities for every traffic accident that takes place on our roads. I personally think that one major fact behind this type of accidents is the lack of drivers' knowledge about the correct handling of such powerful vehicles which are not designed to be driven on our roads. Drivers should keep themselves updated with current technologies and how to make proper use of them and not be only ready to press their foot on the accelerator.
Condolences to the family, relatives and friends of the victim. RIP.

C Damato

Sep 6th 2008, 09:49

My sincere condolences to the victim/s and family/ies.

Let us say it once more.... SAFETY CRASH BARRIERS on CENTRAL STRIPS help to contain the accident on the same side of the road (maybe), hence at least the innocent family driving on the opposite side of the road is not hit or even killed by a flying car from the opposite direction.

How many times did this kind of similar accident take place in "Tal-Barrani" for example, were a car looses control and ends up on the other side of the road hitting an innocent driver/s (plus family/ies) with serious results?

Is it possible that only WE notice such deficiencies in our roads? Having nice central strips & roundabouts with colourful flowers is not enough!

Are such roads with these kind of central strips (without CRASH BARRIERS) according to EU standards? I guess NO!

C. Camilleri

Sep 6th 2008, 09:42

The Wardens and Traffic police are only after minor offenses. With the numerous accidents happening so often many of them due to over speeding mixed with good dose of alcohol Govt should take the traffic problem more seriously. More wardens should patrol our main roads and drivers should be stop to check for any amount of alcohol. These reckless drivers are not only a menace to themselves but very often they involved other innocent people. More speed cameras should be installed in main roads where speeding is likely to happen.

Joseph Attard

Sep 6th 2008, 09:39

Thumbs up to Ben Deguara. I had lost any hope that there is even one taxi driver with this gentleman s outlook to driving and staying alive. Would ask MTA to get Ben Farrugia and organize a seminar for taxi drivers maybe they learn to , drive slower, dont overtake at blind corners, dont blow the horn at any car infront of them driving decently, dont race each other on the road from air port to St Julians, dont overtake onthe inside,and so many other infringments, and this hopefully when thay are not drunk.

And let s not piont fingers, we cant be judges, an accident can happen any time, but, yes we do have the means to control this with today s technology, its up to the Police Force to wake up, I mean really wake up and use it. Some bad boys out there only learn the hard way, hefty penalties, and imprisonment, yes even over overspeeding!

Joseph E Briffa

Sep 6th 2008, 09:36

Breathalyser tests must be used and the results acted upon! The insurers will not cover people driving under the influence of drink which is morever a criminal offence. People driving under the imfluence of drink must pay for their irresponsible behaviour and face the consequences. Unless the Police act on the breathalyser tests results and prosecute the offenders, the Courts cannot take action; it's about time that the Police take action for the common good, irrespective of who the offender is. The offenders must serve time in jail. Unless we take this matter seriously we will continue to witness these horrible accidents which have become commonplace. . No mercy must be shown to these criminal offenders.

Denise Vella

Sep 6th 2008, 09:31

Breathalysers, just like bike lanes in Malta are nominal, just for show. How often do you hear anyone refusing yet another drink because they have to drive home after the party? The fact that they may be subjected to the bag doesn't even cross their mind, it so rarely happens. Overspeed by 2kms at an absurdly slow speed limit and you get a hefty fine equivalent to almost half a week's minimum wage but drive at several times over the limit and get away scott free.

J Oatmon

Sep 6th 2008, 09:31

@ Ben Deguara

I agree with what you say, anytime there is a late night or early morning serious accident the breathalyzer should be used on all the drivers(if possible).

What is the sentence for causing death by drunken driving?
What is the sentence for having no insurance?
What is the sentence for repeat offenders caught drink driving?

My guess is another one of those 'slap on the wrist' suspended sentence things, or perhaps a short term driving ban - and no one checks anyway.

Alfred Fenech

Sep 6th 2008, 09:27

I fully agree with Mr Deguara, but this has it's bad points too. Apparently insurances refuse to pay if a driver is drunk and causes an accident and the victim has to seek payment through the courts for the damages he suffers. Come over to Gozo. It is like an independent republic. From two in the morning till about six the roads from Xlendi and M'Forn to Rabat are like a race track. Do the Gozo police have breatheliser test sets? During the day you see more drivers without seat belts than with them. M'bike drivers use industrial hard hats for helmits. How legal is this? and when I approached a warder he just shrugged his shoulders. Unfortunatly that is the way things are run over here.

Sandro Pace

Sep 6th 2008, 09:26

The government must do more to promote road safety. Wreckless driving, drink driving, driving with the mobile, overspeeding etc. should be punished accordingly, by jail if there are injuries, as to begin with they can inflict irreparable harm on third parties.

In the UK, they've recently launched a campaign in this sense.

Also due to the intrinsic nature of Maltese roads (without mentioning maintenance), road safety suffers as speed increases. And discipline must be enforced also in this sense.

Marica Vella Bonello

Sep 6th 2008, 09:23

Dear Mr Deguara
The fact that the person who died was in the vicinity of Paceville doesn't mean that he was drunk. The death person is a friend of mine and although I still do not know the real facts I don't think he was drunk.

Ben Deguara

Sep 6th 2008, 08:36

When are the Police going to really take the Breathyliser seriously? Why does there have to be an accident all the time then the police will breathylise the drivers involved(If they are still alive ofcourse). Why don't they stop cars at random for example coming from Paceville in the early hours of the morning and test the drivers for alcoholic measures. I work as a taxi driver myself and I myself was involved in a similar accident a few months back.This guy comes flying around a blind corner in spinola bay drunk of course and on the wrong side of the road hitting me smashing into my car turning me facing the other way,as my clients that I was taking to the hotel had the biggest shock of their lives. Luckily none of us where seriously injured.Poilce from mobile squad came ,made him blow in the bag found he was 3 times over the limit and that was it.The ammont of people I see driving drunk in the middle of the night is unbeleivable. When are we going to learn? Now a days we have fast cars with new technology but we also have the means to slow them down.