Five injured in taxi collision

Nadia Cassar

Sep 25th 2011, 08:48

Besides the speed and other factors that might have led to this accident, I believe that the best safety measure that the government can do in our main roads is to install SAFETY BARRIERS all along the central strips. Take Mriehel by-pass as an example ... or the road that from Marsa leads to it - all it needs for a head on collision is for a driver to skim the little pavement there is between the two carraigeways, go right into the small bushes (which hide the view), and drive straight into a very surprised (and terrified) driver on the opposite side !!!

And no, it's not just about speed. Tyres explode sometimes, wishbones and balljoints can break down, and the brake fluid of a car can leak (i.e. no brakes) at any time, even though we pass our cars through the VRT test every year or two. SAFETY BARRIERS WILL SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE THE FATALITY OF SUCH ACCIDENTS.

Mrs Joana Pura

Sep 24th 2011, 17:31

I said it and I will keep on saying it: unless the licenses of the drivers that are causing accidents are not CANCELED and the Police are chasing the drivers if they posses a valid license, nothing will happen. Fines are 23 Euro and after 1 hour they can drive all over again. The drivers has to get the message that they can be without a license if they make accidents. It's a common practice in the world. The authorities should hit where it hurts. The 23 euro fine means nothing but filters from the Police and presenting documents, not keeping them home, would make a difference . Not over night but the word of mouth will help.

Mr Joseph Calleja

Sep 24th 2011, 14:35

Please stop blaming the roads for all accidents and put the blame where it really belongs. One look at those two cars and you can tell speed was a factor. How does one lose control and crosses over the centre lane into the oncoming traffic? I am sure that the police will do a thorough investigation and find out (hopefully) what the reason was. In the meantime the driver of the Seat Ibiza who crossed the strip is fine and we hope that the taxi driver and his innocent passengers will recover soon. I am sure the two Italian couples will have a story to tell when they get back home. As for the Taxi driver, wish him luck in getting his taxi back soon.

Philip Pryce

Sep 24th 2011, 10:24

All the dual carriageways in Malta should have safety barriers installed. It's simple. Get on with it TM!

Dianne Galea

Sep 24th 2011, 07:56

whether it's the authorities fault for a bad road, the fact there are no barriers or simply the other driver fault through speeding , this family man has temporarily lost his job while he has a family to maintain and a new taxi to buy to continue earning his livelihood. Thank God his injuries will heal in due time but who will pay him for the loss of earnings and the new expenses in the meanwhile? even if at the end it's the other drivers fault and a curt case is instituted against him to pay damages what can a 21 year old pay in damages?

Lets all be more responsible on our roads as once the damage is done there is little one can do. Hope the taxi driver gets well soon!!!!

Mr J Galea

Sep 24th 2011, 07:50

This is a road notorious for skidding. Where is the safety barrier on the central strip - at least on the bend???