
Tuesday, 3rd November 2009
Drivers without theoretical knowledge
Isabelle Borg (October 29) is right when she calls on the authorities to deal with irresponsible drivers, but wrong if she wants the driving theory exam to be easier. It is knowing your theory well that helps make you a better, more responsible driver.
Driving in Malta, in the main, is abysmally bad, with drivers cutting corners, crossing double yellow lines to overtake, parking irresponsibly and ignoring all road signs... especially "No Entry" on one-way streets. In the UK, one of the first things you are taught is to "drive on your mirrors" (meaning frequent use of wing and rear mirrors) so you can be fully aware of what is going on behind you.
Equally important is the use of indicators so that you inform other motorists of your intentions. Yet you see vehicles pull away from the kerb, or overtaking, without engaging either.
Recently, I had to travel from Mellieħa to pick up my grandson from the Junior Lyceum at Ħandaq. From Mellieħa High Street, I followed a car all the way to Qormi, and in spite of all the turns and roundabouts, the driver never once used his indicators.
For road safety, Malta needs to have stiffer driving (and theory) tests, and more... much more... traffic police on the road, not just at the end of the month to make up their "ticket quota".







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Comments
If the road markings have been worn off and road signs long missing, you can hardly blaim the driver alone for the half hearted approach to obeying the rules of the road, the government have a half hearted approach to there duty of care for the drivers and there obligation to provide markings and signage.
What good is a theory exam identifying road markings and signs in a book if they dont exist in reality on the roads being driven on.
So let’s get to the route of the problem. Like the rest of our other ill-mannered attitudes - this is a culture problem very similar, to other Mediterranean cultures. I feel for fairness sake I should point out that Greece in particular and some Italian locations are much worse, though it’s no consolation at all! We simply lack moral education! We can only get in line by instilling good qualities in our next generations – let’s start at home, schools, etc. Maybe we shall get there one day! It will remain wishful thinking unless our younger generations will adapt to better manners and education in this area.
Of course I am not referring,to every driver in Malta,just to the many that can be seen on the roads every day,wrecking havoc,
To be honest,your on a suicide mission,kill yourselves ,I couldnt care less, but unfortunately thats not the case,its the,innocent driver coming the other way,that suffers for your recklessness,
Put it this way,you point a loaded gun at my head,pull the trigger,the bullet just misses me?in my eyes attempted murder
You drive your vehicle,at breakneck speed,over taking other vehicles,coming towards me on my side of the road,attempted murder.
Your mode of transport ,is a deadly weapon,in the wrong hands,it will cause death and destruction,but those space cadets out there,must feel they are indestructible .
As I said before,the roads of Malta,Whacky races for real
I have been failed four times before passing the test a few months back. I can assure you that I know how to drive and am very careful. One time I was failed because I failed to honk to people crossing the road, when in the theoretical exam it clearly states that you should never honk for this reason. The ADT instructors just want to people's money. If the tests were free, there would not be so many failures for sure. Why should one sit for the exam four times before passing the test? I can assure you that I am a meticulous driver and very careful when it comes to using indicators and never drive too fast.