Two injured in coast road crash

r cutajar

Oct 24th 2009, 18:57

@giov de martino
amen and thanks for making me laugh but joking apart after all you do have a v good point
The powers that be - ever considered some form of parallel seperate lane I mean beside the existing road why not ? conditions are getting ridiculously dangerouse by the day The road is ok under normal circumstances, it is the human factor that is to blame both at the steering wheel ( mainly) and the planning stage

etienne vella

Oct 24th 2009, 14:30

spot on pierre mangion. i don't use the Coast Road as I'm fed up of people driving at 30km/hr and less. it's as risky as the one going at 100km/hr. because they make people irritated and finish up speeding once they overtake them. start fining very slow drivers.

azzopardi joseph

Oct 24th 2009, 14:29

in central germany fines are more expensive,just an overtaking costed me 500 euros to be paid within 24 hours!!! and i was told that overspeeding is 1500 euros plus 30 points from my driving licence. by the way,if i collect 100 points in 5 years,i will end up in jail.!! thats what i call disipline

Charles Micallef

Oct 24th 2009, 13:59

@Pierre Mangion

That is why the speed limit should be observed on both sides of the scale,
a slow driver creates frustrations which can lead to accidents...........
a fast driver can kill as has been proven time after time and over many years!

However, they are both breaking the law

Pierre Mangion

Oct 24th 2009, 10:03

Does anyone consider that a moron travelling at 30km/h on the coast road and leaving a trail behind him/her should be fined as the person overspeeding. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no road belongs to any one individual, hence no one can consider taking a stroll on the coast road at 30km/h his/her god given privilege.

Charles Micallef

Oct 24th 2009, 09:59

Why do we never learn that unless we introduce some roundabouts at Maghtab / White Rocks / Pembroke junctions, traffic calming measures and speed restricting cameras on this road, it will always be Malta's no 1 killer road!

We have seen lose of lives year after year that could have been easily been saved.....but all we do is bury our heads in the sand and pretend that this road is not a problem...........!

GiovDeMartino

Oct 23rd 2009, 20:04

Ma jridux jisimghu minni!!!!!!!!!!!!HAMEST ELEF EURO multa ghall-overspeeding u nsolvu kollox.

steve elliott,uk

Oct 23rd 2009, 16:15

@E Muscat Azzopardi dont be so sensitive, a twat is an acronym for The War Against Terrorism. :-)

Paul Bowen

Oct 23rd 2009, 15:21

I have been a regular visitor (not tourist) to Malta for nearly 35 years (from the age of 6). On a very recent visit, my friend and I were driving to Kalkara to dive a wreck. The journey took us along the coast road with no problem. The problems started when westarted to get near to Valletta. On a dual carriageway I pulled out to overtake a slow moving vehicle. I noticed in my mirror a driver in a big 4x4, with a mobile phone glued to their ear swerving in and out of the traffic, driving like a maniac, undertaking and overtaking anything in her way. She came right up to my rear bumper blasting her horn and being rude. As I passed the car I had pulled out to overtake she cut straight across the front of the it, across 2 lanes and straight up the exit ramp to the left, braked hard and skidded to a halt. 5 minutes later I was in front of her again. Her idiotic driving gained her no time or distance at all.
Its people like her that kill others

S Keyes

Oct 23rd 2009, 14:53

I have lived and driven all over the world and Malta is by far the worst place I have driven. Granted I havent been to Italy but I think its an indication of Maltese driving when they compare themselves to the Italians! I think a bit of common courtesy would go a long way here. Like when I give way to a car in the distance to allow them to pass freely and then they dont even acknowledge what I have done. I think using indicators is one of the most basic things to do in c a car but sadly the majority of people dont know where they are. A major headache is people driving slow in the fast lane meaning people have to undertake. I have never seen this anywhere else. Im not even going to get started on roundabouts. Also with the rains starting I hope people will learn to adapt their driving styles. My office overlooks a roundabout. When it starts to rain we turn to watch the crashes or dangerous driving! The roads are bad but driving safely means much more!

barry hayes

Oct 23rd 2009, 14:48

the state of the roads is diabolical being a foreigner living in malta for 11 years i find myself constantly watching the road surface in order to miss pots holes this means my eyes arent being focused where they should be however general driving standards are very poor here as previously mentioned indicators seem to be a optional extra and alot of drivers seem to think its my road what is anyone else doing on it !!!

E Muscat Azzopardi

Oct 23rd 2009, 09:48

Mr Aquilina, as a Maltese national who drives a car, and on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of others like me, I object to being referred to as a twat. May I remind you that it is a vulgar reference to the female genitalia.

victor aquilina

Oct 23rd 2009, 02:13

Loved the word " TWATS" perfectly describes the Maltese drivers Will they ever find the INDICATOR button???? No it is far beyond their mentality level Really they should be on A horse and cart!!!!

cecil herbert jones

Oct 23rd 2009, 00:21

@John Saliba
You mean instead of the recycled asphalt? Who makes these roads anyway? Nonetheless thousands of car trips are made through this road everyday, but once a while........................

G. Caruana

Oct 22nd 2009, 18:26

Well so what... I enjoy driving on this road on a fine Sunday morning doing 50 or 60! why should I drive recklessly or drive at a 120? It's not just a matter of taking care of your car (if you happen to have a passion for cars like myself), but also for your own and your passenger's safety - and also simply for the sake of enjoying a relaxing ride on your only day off!

I always ignore the rude honking of horns, people tailgating exactly after my car's bumper so that they make me hurry up or overtaking me nearly breaking the side view mirror - but hey... THESE are the people that cause accidents! And don't blame it on me if I drive slowly!

How many times I have seen cars overtake on this road and then all of a sudden they encounter a bus or a large vehicle on their wrong side! It's not the state of our roads guys... nor ADT, nor PN, nor MLP and not the speed cameras - but the stupidity of certain drivers!

Another thing... I'm 22 yrs of age not 70!

adrian aquilina

Oct 22nd 2009, 17:41

fact is the maltese are the worst and most selfish drivers...they cant even be bothered to indicate or stop at stop signs...it is also partly the government to blame for lack of education and the police for ignoring it..im just glad when the bad drivers are the ones hurt and not an innocent person..breathylize everyone who has an "accident".stop drivers leaving places like paceville and breathylize them,take away licenses and start having traffic police like in other countries..cars are dangerous and kill when driven by stupid people.drinking and driving kills..

TRW O'Neill

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:57

S.Tabone, yet another apologist rant against Sunday drivers! I wonder how many Sunday drivers have not made it back home, by 0600 hrs today !........I think personally, that all Maltese drivers should be stopped from driving at more than 40 km per hour, as they are incapable of controlling their cars at higher speeds. Also who are these " Experts " who claim that drivers going at 50Km lose control on ceartain roads.?

any body with an ounce of common sense, should slow down if they know that a stretch of road is dangerous.This does not seem to happen if the driver is Maltese! QED.

JFarrugia

Oct 22nd 2009, 15:12

Simon Tabone.
Spot on, could have said it better myself.

ADT anyone there?? hello, Kukoo, wakey wakey.

Alan Micallef

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:49

It is amazing how you people are always ready to complain and blame the roads and the government. I have travelled this road twice everyday, in rain, storms and perfect weather, for at least the last 12 years and touch wood I have not crashed once. I think you should blame the people that drive like maniacs, nowadays. No matter how good a road surface is, if you drive like crazy you are bound to crash!

Tonio Bone

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:29

I agree with most of the comments posted. However I do feel that most of the accidents can be avoided and would blame most of them to human error and driving negligence. I mean the Coast Road is used bu hundreds if not thousands of commuters day in day out, and I would think that the people involved in all the recent traffic accidents were not exactly proceeding at legal speed. We have a culture of abusing the roads and before you lash out at me I am not saying that our roads are either prime or well made, on the contrary. All I am saying is that most accidents happen because people abuse their driving skills. I hope the guys involved in today's accident get well soon.

Ray Zerafa

Oct 22nd 2009, 14:01

@ Mike Pace
By installing speed cameras does not solve the slippery surface problem as you are claiming whether it’s wet or dry. (Slow drivers must be fined also, for obstructing the traffic flow). Road safety does not only mean good surface, good lightning etc.. of course these are crucial. However, good quality Tyres (NOT expired) and shock-absorbers (suspension) are equally important for yours and others safety.

Mvella

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:59

FOR PETE'S SAKE!

People wake up and stop always blaming the poor conditions of roads. Typical of us Maltese! The Coast Road is far superior to many roads in our country and there is nothing wrong with that piece of road. Unfortunately many believe it's their perogative to show of certain impressive skills like overtaking in a bend or whilst going up a hill, taking bends with very deathdefying velocities etc. If you would take an observation car with a camera and drive up and down the Coast Road in the morning you will be surprised by the many stunts some come up with to save 2 minutes of time. And guess what - it's always the same twats!

So, if you want to have a go at something; have a go at IRRESPONSIBLE DRIVING!

M Fleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:17

First of all I hope those 2 persons may have a quick recovery.

Secondly, why do some people always blame the road surface for the cause of a road accident? OK our roads are not the best. If faced with a bad road surface or rain then adjust your driving accordingly to the conditions you are facing and if that means reducing your speed then so be it.

Personally the surface of the roads do not scare me as much as the people who whilst driving.

1. send an SMS / talk on a mobile
2. eat & drink
3. do not bother to indicate
4. make no use of rear and side view mirrors
5. drivers who are under the influence of drink or drugs
6. those who constantly speed
And the list goes on

The above are the things decent drivers need to be aware of as we have no control over the driving abilities of dangerous drivers. If faced with a badly surfaced road or rain on the other hand simply reduce your speed and drive accordingly . Most people just go into self-denial and are quick to pass the blame onto something or someone else.

Brian Maloret

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:16

Any road is navigable by competent and sober drivers whatever the condition of the road or the weather at the time.

mike pace

Oct 22nd 2009, 13:14

Dear Mr Zammit that part of the island was with gusty winds and slippery wet road during the night as I passed through it early before of the incident

C.Lia

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:58

Overspeeding is the order of the day in many roads around Malta especially this one in question. Not the first time it happened to me that I was driving quite fast myself and another driver overtook me and sometimes even called me names as for him I was driving slowly and by doing so obstructing him.

Then this stretch of road, from Salina to Swieqi, needs urgently a central strip, dozens of life could be saved.

Louis Gatt

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:29

I wish these people and indeed all road users who suffer from our very poor road construction a speedy recovery. This road is a death trap for the unwary! The surface is slippery and the tight bends surely don't help. A speed limit should be urgently set, while the road should be made safer by correcting camber. As to St. Andrews area, a crash barrier center strip is a must. This road has claimed too many lives already and unless this problem is urgently addressed, we'll soon have another fatality. This is indeed one of the 'crazy driving spots' in Malta.

walter camilleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:20

I agree 100% with Simon Tabone, but before all that, necessary as it is, surely it is time Malta reinstated a mobile police presence on the road, and seriously applied the breathalyser, while changing the law to make accepting the breathalyser test compulsory?

Surely refusing to take a breathalyser test is a tacit acceptance of guilt?

Rachel Spiteri

Oct 22nd 2009, 12:04

In this road you have to drive slowly atleast thats what i do..its better to be 5mins late than to never arrive.. I wish them a speedy recovery and to all drivers and cyclists, drive in a moderate speed(where appropriate) to prevent deaths and accidents..

Eric Psaila

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:58

Granted the state of Malta's roads leave much to be desired and that's a fact.
But don't we all know this by now? Therefore drivers young and old should be more cautious for this very reason. The usual comments when such accidents occur normally focus on the state of Malta's roads and not the excessive speed which is normally the cause of the accidents. I think the police should publish some statistics to confirm how many time speed was the main factor of an accident. Young drivers mostly are to blame for serious accidents.
It is a pity to see young lives lost in tragic circumstances and the pain they leave behind.

joseph abdilla

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:45

GIVE BLOOD. DRIVE IN MALTA

Andy Towler

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:43

@Simon:

No-one "causes" people to make dangerous overtaking manoeuvres - people do so because they have decided to do so.

C.Sammut

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:43

Its a matter of safe tyres and safe driving. Both contribute to no skidding. I often pass from the Coast Road and the gimmicks I encounter from certain drivers and the snail paced refuse trucks, prejudice even my own safe driving and patience.

John Azzopardi

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:42

The only solution for this road is to duplicate the lanes. It needs to be widened to double carriageways on either side with a barrier in the centre separating the opposing carriageways to prevent head-on collisions. There is no other way.

G Ebejer

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:35

@ Kevin Camilleri
Be assured that "this stretch of deadly asphalt" is no worse and no more dangerous than any other road in Malta. If you drive normally, i.e. no overspeeding and no overtaking in the bends, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. All accidents that are reported in the press happen for a reason. I drove along this "Death Road" a thousand times and NEVER had an accident. And I am no Rally Champion, just a normal driver.

Mark Fenech

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:32

It's only a road like many others. It is the drivers that are dangerous, they should adapt their
driving to suit conditions.................What can the ADT do to stop you driving your car into an electricity pole ?

Henry Calleja

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:24

As usual, some bloggers blame the road!! Very easy conclusion. I drive through this road twice a day and never had any problems. More traffic police and wardens are needed at any time. They will surely diminish such accidents especially in the early mornings or late at night.

Alan Day

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:22

Whilst I am sorry that two more people have been injured in a car crash on the coast road in Bahar ic-Caghaq, and I wish them a speedy recovery. Other comments from readers say that this should be called Death road, I would like to point out that it is no more dangerous than any other road in Malta, bad driving causes accidents, not the road.

John Saliba

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:18

@ Mike Pace
Putting in speed cameras will not make the situation any better ... it may even make it worse as people speed up to make good for the time lost in going slow in front of the speed cam.

The true solution (fighting the substance, rather than the shadow) would entail resurfacing the road using good-quality asphalt rather than the low-cost, low-grip asphalt used.

Anthony Roberts

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:15

You are not the only one Kevin.

Simon Tabone

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:11

It would be better if the road (and lots of others) were to be correctly resurfaced applying correct road camber in corners and ensuring proper drainage of the surface water! I have seen a car spin in the dry at St Andrews when the driver applied his brakes suddenly while travelling at 50KpH.
This road should have both maximum and minimum speed limits. Sunday drivers crawling along cause tailbacks, frustration and (stupid) drivers to make dangerous overtaking manouveres.

D.Zammit

Oct 22nd 2009, 11:11

Wish to inform Mr Mike Pace that with last night winds the road was not slippery. Pls before you start complaining check the weather report.

mike pace

Oct 22nd 2009, 08:46

Its always this road when its wet wintery days and needs to change its name to Death Road
The ADT needs to force new rules and speed cameras along this strech deadly road

Kevin Camilleri

Oct 22nd 2009, 08:34

+2

Wish them a speedy recovery. No wonder why I'm scared driving along this stretch of deadly asphalt.