Briton critically injured in Sliema accident

paul alford

Aug 19th 2010, 21:19

i nearly got run over on tuesday morning at the zebra crossing in spinola bay . i was half way across and a car came down the hill he saw me but did not care . he just carried on driving as i was not there. another thing is at night there is no lights statin the driver there is a zebra crossing and all the lines are worn away. so im sure the council can get a light bulb and put them on . in stead of killing innocent people.plus this problem is all over the island so some one needs a kick up the backside. as im sure the tax paying people in malta are getting ripped off by there councilers.thank god im back in germany at least yoü see the zebra croosing and the warning lights.

frank drew

Aug 18th 2010, 21:36

Zebra crossings in and around some of these tourist areas are a waste of white paint

A Sciberras

Aug 18th 2010, 18:35

@Peter Korsten --> according to the (new) driving test when approaching a zebra crossing you must (a) reduce speed at the same time checking if there are any pedestrians waiting or about to arrive close to a zebra crossing, (b) then come to a complete stop to let them pass if in fact they were going to make use of the zebra crossing (c) if the pedestrians are just standing there you must stop anyway, because otherwise that's marked as grievous and that's an automatic fail, (d) once you have ascertained that they do not wish to cross then you carry on on your merry way.

Therefore, if the car behind you crashes into you because you have stopped abruptly it would be your fault according to the driving test regulations. then again, not everyone follows the rules.

M.Galea

Aug 18th 2010, 05:46

Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong - but where I come from - at a Zebra Crossing - the pedestrian always has the right of way - that is if there is a pedestian waiting to cross, then the vehicle has to stop and give right of way. Makes sense to me .
Perhaps the authorities should be more harsh with drivers that break the law - give them a fine and that way they will learn that the roads are not just for cars, but people too.
I haven't been back to Malta for a while now but it appears to me that things haven't changed and that I'm not surprised that there are so many bad drivers if the law is so lenient.

MArk Bonello

Aug 17th 2010, 23:28

Min qal li ghandna npoggu speed limit ta 50kph kullimkien vera mghandux idea fuq xiex qed iparla ta. 50kph huwa speed ineficjenti ghal ahhar + li anqas haq il hela ta hin. fl opinjoni tieghi li hemm bzonn hu: 1. kwalita ta toroq ahjar, 2. Hafna iktar road block fiz zoni fejn imorru jixorbu, 3. iktar edukazjoni. Issa lura ghal tal 50kph, jien naqbel li fdil bicca triq 50kph huwa speed ragonevoli imma postijiet ohra speed baxx u speed cameras baxxi isagerat huma iktar perikoluzi minn statistiki ufficjali li saru barra minn Malta!!

Steve Sant

Aug 17th 2010, 20:59

I live very close, and I have only one thing to say about the Zebra crossing. Its in a very bad place, you hardly notice it and its also just before a bend.

Bill Khan

Aug 17th 2010, 20:04

Malta has just too too many cars on its roads. This high speed weaponary in the hands of the adicts will continue to play havocs with lives of both locals and those known as the 'tourists'.

Just take away both licence and the car of those involved in the slightest of motoring violation.
Only way to educate the adicts.

Robert Calafato

Aug 17th 2010, 16:14

....And when people continue to be killed and maimed even after all vehicles are fitted with speed limiters set at 50km/hr, then what?

Education starting at kindergarden level, a proper driving test that actually teaches a person how to drive and not just how to barely "operate" the vehicle and lastly, SEVERE enforcement of traffic regulations with zero tolerance and hefty fines and jail terms. But this is Malta so this will never happen!!

Lennard Loveridge

Aug 17th 2010, 15:14

All i know and have learned from experience from all the years we have lived here, that any foreigner drivng on the Maltese roads, and by chance happen to have an unfortunate one, make sure you have a witness or two to back you up, as the Maltese have a habit of blaming everyone else who is not local as an excuse and not themselves. End of Story. am i correct??

Christopher Grech

Aug 17th 2010, 15:00

How can we judge this incident? Did the woman come out from behind a van and not stop first to look at the traffic? BY law they should first stand and then wait for traffic to stop. I am not defending the car driver, just the facts, if there are any. We do not have any more facts to judge, so please refrain from silly comments like the below.

True that there are very silly drivers and my son almost got killed at a zebra crossing by overtaking a car stopping behind one!

At the same time restricting more the speed should not be the issue. It lies BOTH on the pedestrian and the driver.

Drivers are booked, because they have a number plate, but people do not. Go to Paceville and see just how irresponsible some pedestrians are in crossing the road. Some are like crossing under the use of drugs! Are these arrested? Have you ever come across a policeman that reprimands a pedestrian when crossing a road without care?

We pray for the women in question to get better soon, but please dont judge!

C Calleja

Aug 17th 2010, 12:33

I totally agree with A Muscat's comments. No speed over 50kms per hour is needed in Malta. Speed should be curbed; and yes all cars (except emergency ones) should not be able to speed up over 50 kms/hr. I would suggest creating a preassure group in favour of this. Be sure that TM has the same opinion like us about speed.

Paul Dunn

Aug 17th 2010, 11:51

i would like to point out that there was three people crossing at the time, not just my wife on her own myself followed by my mother and lastly my wife. I will not get inovlved with any of the arguments and comments about this accident, and i will again thank every one involved who helped my wife . THANKYOU

P. Borg

Aug 17th 2010, 11:48

First of all I hope that this person gets well soon. It's something very bad seeing such accidents.

Maybe the driver was going too fast and could be his fault (I was not there) but people please do not forget that sometimes pedestrians make it difficult for drivers. Some days ago I was going up Tower Road in Sliema. I had a group of foreign students who just stepped out infront of my car without even showing any sign that they were going to cross the road. As if wasn't enough they even stopped chatting in the middle of the road ignoring that there was traffic waiting for them to pass. Many times it happens that they arrive near the Zebra crossing and coming from nothing they just step out infront of the car pretending that a car can be stopped in a split second. Be careful when you cross the road, the driver has not some magic switch to stop the car instantly. Also some women place the pushchair on the zebra cross even if the car has not yet stopped placing in danger their children.

JAFarrugia

Aug 17th 2010, 08:57

Very happy hear the lady is on the way to recovery, wish her all the best.
Now a few comments on the things mentioned below.
Zebra crossings are not the ideal choice for this road, ideally they install traffic light crossings, before the crossing the tarmac should have extra grip just in case the driver is not concentrating 100%. speed limit should be enforced to 40kph and traffic calming measures installed but not ones that break your car apart.
It's about time the TM came up with some sort of educational campaign backed up with a police review of fines for idiotic drivers, also some more traffic police wouldn't go amiss.
Just one other point accidents do happen and it's not always the drivers fault.

D Fenech

Aug 17th 2010, 06:19

@ Paul Dunn
I am ashamed as i read your comments! So polite and kind at this difficult moment!
Ashamed for the people responsible who should have taken action at this BLACK SPOT and have done nothing! how many more people need to be run over?
Driving in Sliema has become a nightmare. On the one hand you get drivers who wizz across zebra crossings and on the other you also constantly get, mostly young people just crossing where ever they fancy.
Another HUGE danger zone is the VERY LONG zebra crossing in Msida where traffic lights should have been installed a long time ago. In fact the whole situation in Msida is bizarre!

Sally Peterson

Aug 17th 2010, 00:42

Firstly I send well wishes to the poor lady who was run over.

I see this most days when I try to cross a road with a child. Even crossings with lights, cars still go though at speed. I now always wait before crossing as it does seem to be the case of pedestrians giving way to traffic. It is worring as to what highway code is observed here, obviously none as red lights are ignored, cars overtake on a brow of a hill, and when there is no clear visability ahead. They do not keep a cars width between each other.

Tougher laws are needed and more traffic police to put these laws in to practice.

A Muscat

Aug 16th 2010, 21:56

I claim again that the only way to stop useless speeding and overtaking on our roads is to put speed limiters to ALL cars public and private, which allow a maximum speed of 50 kms-hr. I know that TM is working hard to reduce speed, but in my opinion this is the only way to relinquish pimped-up vehicles from our streets - SPEED LIMITERS.

Deo Catania

Aug 16th 2010, 21:16

Just because a zebra crossing is showing in the photo doesn't mean the woman was crossing on it. The way the car has ended for me the woman was not using the zebra, the car driver swerved to try not to hit her but unfortunately still did. I ncannot imagine how that car hit the woman on the zebra abd ended on the other side at such a short distance. But anyways, in Malta car drivers are always at fault no matter what. These comments are just a waste of time really.

Joe Boswell

Aug 16th 2010, 20:00

Yet another accident in the now notorious stretch of road between the tower and surfside, part of Tower Road. And yet, nothing has been done to curb reckless driving. A few weeks ago I was crossing this road a few metres away from the spot in the picture and in the distance I could see and hear a car accelerate in a way which spelt "move off the road or else you'll get run over". This is the norm in Tower Road. Then again, discussing speed issues at work ended up in me being ridiculed after suggesting that I always try to drive at a constant speed of 60km/h. That's how poor our attitude is. We just never seem to learn. If needs be (and I'm no fan of these), install sleeping policemen at various points - irresponsible persons would then think twice before doing a pedal to the metal stunt!

George Debono

Aug 16th 2010, 18:18

Our urban roads are becoming more dangerous by the day due to outdated concepts and misguided road planning & our obsession with the car. In progressive countries (but not Malta) urban streets are being progressively opened to mixed traffic with pedestrians, cyclists and cars using the road. Imagine the entire St Julians and Sliema promenade completely paved or cobbled and given over completely to pedestrians. Cars and buses are permitted, but subject to a 20k/h speed limit. Motorists have to drive carefully and give priority to pedestrians and cyclists. This is happening elsewhere. If, by some miracle it were to come to pass, traffic would be dramatically reduced, the air would smell sweet again in Sliema and the net result would be improved health and well-being through a decrease in pollution and people using their car less with consequent increase in physical activity. The latest insanity (and waste of money) was widening the Qui-si-sana road, this old fashioned ¨improvement¨which will encourage yet more traffic - and speed and more road accidents; - and the road has no cycle tracks. Children can't cycle safely cycle to the recreational area. Come on council, have the guts to make Sliema really safe!

N.Grima

Aug 16th 2010, 18:18

1) I agree that pedestrians should wait for cars to stop / indicate to them to cross, but this is only because of common-sense caution. 2) The Maltese code is based on the UK one, which gives absolute precedence to pedestrians on zebra crossings (in continental Europe this is not the case). Furthermore, a speed limit of 50kph is imposed for approaching zebra and pelican crossings (regardless of the prevailing speed limit on the particular road). Anybody who earned his license recently (a few years) or is diligent enough to read the code (as is required by law!) definitely knows this. 3) I believe the UK code also imposes a "give way" protocol on all roads which are not a motorway, i.e. if someone crosses the road out of nowhere, the driver is obliged to give way. 4) Speed bumps are more dangerous than safe (apart from the fact that they break both the car's suspension and the passengers' backs). There are much friendlier traffic calming measures available, such as chicanes (which have been quite popular in the UK for many years). 5) Lastly, while there are rules to be observed and measures to take, accidents do happen.

S Atlamyob

Aug 16th 2010, 17:50

As a motorcyclist/driver with 37+ accident and collision free years under my belt, I feel adequately qualified in pointing out the most important facts overlooked by almost all car, bus, truck, and even the blog contributors listed below, and that is nobody in or on a motor vehicle of any type should EVER be driving faster than they can stop in time to avoid a potential incident.
It does not matter what the posted limits say, it does not matter if there's a sign on the side of your car that says police, ambulance, or fire truck. the bottom line is, if you drive, ride, pedal faster than you and your vehicle can react and stop safely, you are playing Russian roulette with your life the lives of those around you.
If you hit a pedestrian, it's always your fault. End of story.
The pedestrian always has the right of way whether or not the laws in any particular country say it or not. Life and limb have infinitely more value than any appointment that we wish to attend or any conversation we wish to participate in.
Drive aware of ones' surroundings and abilities.

C Cassar

Aug 16th 2010, 17:42

A simple solution is necessary, a series (maybe 3 in sequence) huge speed bumps are required to be installed before the approach to EVERY pedestrian crossing combined with camera at each crossing.

Paul Dunn

Aug 16th 2010, 15:55

I would like to thank all the people who stopped and helped my Wife who was run over last night. I can not thank the gentleman who was one of the first to arrive and was a Doctor and also a male nurse Clive who drove both my Mother and I to the Hospital enough.
The Police and the Ambulance crew were very helpful and did their jobs well.
Last but not least, all the Staff, Doctors and Surgeons who helped and opperated on my Wife, they kept me up to date with all the news on how she was doing..
One last thing is that we live here, and hopefully when my Wife fully recovers, which will be a long time due to multiple fractures, ie both legs, ribs,wrist etc we will be able to enjoy the magic of Malta and the friendly people yet again.
THANK YOU ALL AGAIN

Charles Micallef

Aug 16th 2010, 15:45

We are still living in the time of the Flintstones when it comes to driving in Malta, and nothing seems to be done about it.............!

R. Gauci

Aug 16th 2010, 14:41

Hawn Malta z-zebra crossings huma useless u anke certu pedestrian crossings, anzi qed ikunu ta` aktar periklu ghax dak li jkun jabbuza bihom u jigi mtajjar. In-nies hemm bzonn tibda tigi ddixxiplinata left, right and centre la bl-edukazzjoni ma wasalnix.

M Mifsud

Aug 16th 2010, 14:11

I was going to be run over, this morning, right on that new, very dangerous, zebra crossing in Qui Si Sana (near Tanti's Kiosk)! There are some works being carried out in a block of apartments close by and many drivers opt to take a sudden turn towards Qui Si Sana to avoid the traffic. Believe me, this zebra crossing is very dangerous!

D.Peters

Aug 16th 2010, 14:07

Hit on a Zebra Crossing in the UK and Canada is a very very serious criminal offence, in some countries i read somewhere along the line that it also carries a stiff prison sentence for manslaughter, but then again you guys in malta most probably have a different systems. I hope the old dear recovers for both party's sake.

G Falzon

Aug 16th 2010, 14:06

All over the islands (Malta and Gozo) one encounters frequent flagrant breaches of traffic lights rules. Driving over red lights is very very common. Parking on or very close to zebra lines is also a frequent contravention. Where are the police and the traffic wardens? Perhaps MT should consider installing cameras to curtail these dangerous contraventions. As a typical red spot to confirm what I write, I ask anyone to stay for a few minutes, day or night, observing driving on the lights near the Addolorata Cemetry. Traffic police in uniform would not capture this and would report that I am exaggerating. But rest assured that, as obvious, temporary "fake" order is restored as soon as a traffic police in uniform is visible there!

ALFRED ABELA

Aug 16th 2010, 13:28

I USE THIS CROSSING EVERYDAY BECAUSE I LIVE NEST TO DIPLOMANT HOTEL.I ALWAYS WAVE MY HAND TO DRIVERS TO STOP AND UNTIL I SEE THEM STOP ON BOTH SIDE I DONT START MOVING. SOME DO STOP OTHERS DONT.THIS IS NOT THE THE FIRST ACCIDENT ON THIS ZEBRA CROSSING AND WONT BE THE LAST.SO TRAFFIC LIGHTS IS THE ANSWER.

Mike Eloff

Aug 16th 2010, 13:10

I saw all this last night and took the photo. This is my story of what happened.

I got home after being at the office for a few hours. As I was laying my keys on the table, I heard a sickening sound and knew right away that someone was just hit by a car. It was a sound I never want to hear again, but has been running through my head all day.

I ran out to see what had happened and I couldn't understand what had actually happened because the car in the picture, which is parked just in front of the crossing, was indeed the car that had hit the lady.

This crossing, which seems to be well painted, is not actually. This got painted 2 weeks ago and there is part of this crossing that is not in the picture, that is fading FAST! What type of paint gets used here? Maybe they should use reflective paint like in other countries.

I must say, Buses and Taxis are big offenders of not stopping and today, while at home for lunch, I saw 3 buses drive without stopping! It is ridiculous!!

JAFarrugia

Aug 16th 2010, 13:05

The tarmac looks lovely and shiney as does the newly painted zebra crossing, painted with dulex solid emulsion for extra gloss which will wear out in a few weeks.
Wake up TM, before a zebra crossing lay some grip tarmac at least the driver has a slight chance of stopping suddenly. How about some traffic calming measure on that road.?? how about some proffesionalism for once.
Hope the lady makes a full recovery.

Andrew Cachia

Aug 16th 2010, 13:04

this is where a SAFETY camera is needed and not on regional road. Transport Malta are truly a champion of incompetence

S. Azzopardi

Aug 16th 2010, 12:54

Ok lets make this clear..in Malta we have too much heroes trying to impress with their driving skills, however it is also true that when crossing the streets many people (especially old people) don't even make the basic effort of looking right and left before crossing. Its useless blaming the driver or the pedestrians..since every accident has it's own story and thus you people cannot judge on who's fault this was! Then again we dont live in a perfect world and a lot of people lack common sense! Police and Wardens should be doing a better job on our streets rather then showing their teeth at innocent people and closing an eye (or two in most cases) to our street heroes!

Robert Calafato

Aug 16th 2010, 12:43

The carnage continues!!

Is the car in the picture the one that hit this poor woman?

If it is, what was it doing on the wrong side of the road?

A. Schembri

Aug 16th 2010, 12:33

Cannot judge as I was not a witness, however, as a pedestrian should I not only cross the road on a zebra crossing when either there is no traffic or when the traffic is at a stand still. Not saying that this woman crossed whilst the traffic was still moving, or that the driver was not overtaking or speeding as suggested. But if this lady who is British rightly so expected an oncoming car to stop at a zebra crossing as happens in the UK she is mistaken. Cannot take it for grated that cars stop at a pedestrian crossing.

alan cox

Aug 16th 2010, 12:21

@F Ball... I totally agree with you 100%. Malta is a disgrace. when it comes to motoring. No education at all. No respect for the law.The authorities have no clue. Heavy fines and speed cameras and licence withdrawals on the spot .!!! Why should Malta be the foremost country in the EU to show such nonchalance to the pedestrians with the result of the loss of lives and injuries suffered on the roads to tourists and children. Here´s hoping for a quick recovery to the tourist involved.

Anthony Weitz

Aug 16th 2010, 12:12

In my humble opinion, this has less to do with Tower Road, or speed cameras, and more to do with the general culture of lawlessness in Malta. The institution of pedestrian/driver etiquette and traffic law are well-established in many countries, including Malta. What is missing in Malta, is the general observance of the law. Drivers of all age groups and social strata routinely break the rules of the road here, because of three issues and three issues only. Enforcement, enforcement, enforcement. Wether it be overtaking on a double white line, speeding, driving drunk, or parking offences, there is so little enforcement in Malta, as to render the road laws useless. People are only going to respect the law, when it hurts them in the pocket to ignore it. When it comes to driving, Malta is the wild west. This has serious implications not only for pedestrians in general, but for tourists in particular, who are generally used to different behaviour in their home countries. Caveat emptor!

JOSEPH MUSCAT

Aug 16th 2010, 12:07

@JOSEPH MUSCAT I will correct myself as it is a zebra crossing not peligan.

joseph muscat

Aug 16th 2010, 11:50

If the safety wise people of Malta wants to know how the locals[ MALTESE] threat the peligan crossing they should spare an hour or so sitting on a bench near the crossing by the MELLIEHA police station preferable when it`s OPEN [overtaking-no stopping-look the other way when pedestrians trying to cross, coaches-busses parking just about on it, or blocking the vision for both pedestrians and drivers .I hope somebody might take notice one day before it`s too late].

E Vella

Aug 16th 2010, 11:50

i always look right and left before crossing the road, EVEN from a zebra crossing. Pedestrians should start to play their part as well.

however, I am not justifying the drivers' actions when they ignore traffic lights and pedestrian crossing.

Jonathan Briscoe White

Aug 16th 2010, 11:50

Yet Antoher one!!! For the Sliema residents this is becoming something of the norm.. I know this exact Zebra Crossing and there have been many accidents fatal and non fatal. I remember one episode when I was just 14 where by a friend crossed before a girl from Belgium and she was hit. The Impact threw her in front of the Diplomat hotel.. She died a couple of days later..

These Crossings are badly lit and to a Driver who is not familiar with the whereabouts of these crossings it is dangerous as it is proved yet again. It is simple really!! I dont need to suggest what SHOULD be done...

Something has to be done to make these crossings more visible.. Now Im not judging the speed at which the young man was dirivng as I was not there or whether or not she just simply walked out without looking assuming cars would stop... but SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE - END OF STORY!!

a abela

Aug 16th 2010, 11:47

Earlier yesterday evening I was walking at the Sliema promenade and it seems that this stretch is becoming a racing track. A lot of teenagers and youngsters with their pimped-up cars are using this road to make a show and attract the attention of passers-by. And nowhere a policemen to control this stupidity.

duncan Tanti

Aug 16th 2010, 11:43

i am trying to picture why is that car facing that way??if its the car that hit the woman the driver is definetly at fault because its on the wrong side of the road.correct me if I am wrong.

Adrian Cachia

Aug 16th 2010, 11:40

When will we ommit these type of pedestrian crossing and replace them all with traffic lights c/w push buttons.

Charles Zammit

Aug 16th 2010, 11:29

It has to be understood by drivers that the pedestrian has complete right of way on a pedestrian crossing . Any vehicle approaching a crossing should slow down every time . There is no excuse for any driver that causes an incident on a Zebra crossing , as there is no excuse for a pedestrian crossing the road at random and many a time a few mtrs away from a Zebra crossing and the driver getting the unjustified blame if an accident is caused by such a negligent pedestrian ..

Mark Seychell

Aug 16th 2010, 11:29

In every major town in the UK, there are traffic lights for pedestrians at every crossing. Isn't it high time we do the same?

C Ellul

Aug 16th 2010, 11:29

Yesterday at 18.30 some local crazy driver was testing his nitro boosted turbo car between Cara's and the Tower through the pedestrian crossing.
This is were speed cameras are required not on straight roads not used by pedestrians.
But then speed cameras are used to pick drivers pockets not to make roads safer .
This has been shown in the latest EU statistics , an increase in the death rate on Malta's roads. Think about it TM , if your brains are not on half days also.

Adrian Wirth

Aug 16th 2010, 11:26

Without knowing the specifics in this instance one can still mention the most common breachs of safe driving rules seen in this area.
a. 'Belisha Beacons' - not lit or lit but not flashing.
b. Cars parked on or within 20'0" of the crossing on one or both sides of the crossing.
c. Most vehicles let alone cars grossly exceeding the urban speed limit and not least amongst these 'white van' and taxi drivers.
d. Cars stopping on the pedestrian crossing whilst waiting in a queue of vehicles to proceed.
e. Cars overtaking vehicles stopped at pedestrian crossings to allow persons to cross - mainly white vans and taxi's again.
f. Trees and traffic signs obscuring Belisha Beacons - Local Councils please note and preferably inspect pedestrian crossings more often - having first of all actually read the "Guidelines instructions for 'road furniture and signage in urban areas manual".

F Ball

Aug 16th 2010, 11:25

Firstly, I hope the driver gets the full force of the law. Driving in Malta is a disgrace, and it is a disgrace on the various governments for never addressing the issue. Driving education should start at the learner stage! Very often the worst drivers are the professional drivers ... taxi, bus, delivery vans. How about starting here by quadrupling driving fines on professional drivers? We need an ongoing media campaign to raise awareness of safe driving.

S Barbara

Aug 16th 2010, 11:21

Too many Maltese drivers feel like heroes when they are behind the wheel these days.

And not only then...

Tim Pace

Aug 16th 2010, 11:03

It must be said however that the other case involving a Russian woman was rather different from this case. In the case of the Russian she literally jumped off the pavement through the bushes planted along side the road, and was not bothered by the passing traffic. In this case it is very evident that the British woman was correclty using the pedestrian crossing. Both cases are unfortunate and in no way do I want to wish any repeat of such trauma for both the victims and the drivers. But I really feel that in cases of pedestrians not abiding by the law they should also be held responsible for breaking the law and presenting a hazard to drivers. Similarly not respecting speed limits, wreckless drivig and not being alert while driving are also punishable crimes!

Paul Barrett

Aug 16th 2010, 11:02

Let us all hope for a speedy and full recovery for the injured party.
A picture speaks a thousand words. If the car shown in the picture is the one involved in the incident then the reasonable question might be asked of why it is on the wrong side of the road and was it by any chance overtaking at what would appear to be a reasonably well marked zebra crossing?
Out of interest, were the beacons working i.e., flashing?

Peter Korsten

Aug 16th 2010, 10:57

A British woman, who would know from what direction cars would be coming, being knocked down on what looks like a pretty well-lit zebra crossing (as visible from the shadows of the police officers on the zebra crossing).

I'll leave the speculation about what happened to others.

E. Abela

Aug 16th 2010, 10:52

Again and again and again. It would be a good idea to have speed cameras in that area. Also, maybe the planting of large bushes along the pavement would help in the sense that pedestrians cannot cross the road except where there are zebra crossings and traffic lights.

Mario Aquilina

Aug 16th 2010, 10:49

Again and again the number of serious accidents along Tower Road is shameful. This is no surprise considering that many treat the road as if it were a grand prix track... drivers (especially taxi drivers) overtaking on zebra crossings, high-revving of engines, screeching breaks. If wardens focused on dangerous driving on this street alone they would be doing a much better job than slapping parking tickets elsewhere in the locality. What is being done to reduce accidents here? I can recall at least 4 fatal accidents here in the last 3 years.

GVella

Aug 16th 2010, 10:47

Clearly, I cannot make any comment on this particular accident not knowing the details – although it does seem from the picture that the poor woman was knocked down while on a zebra crossing. However, it is high time that the authorities did something about the speeding that takes place at night on Tower Road. Some random checks to pull over speeding drivers and perform some breathalyer tests would not come amiss. And while we are at it, white taxi drivers should maybe also get some special attention as they seem to be particularly noticeable speeding along Tower Road in the early hours in an clear attempt to pick up the maximum number of fares.

Phil Press

Aug 16th 2010, 10:39

Yet another accident either on or by a pedestrian crossing.
Does this not say something ?.
The crossing looks to be well lit and painted, more can be said for the crossing on the MAIN road in Qawra