‘Little done’ on road safety three years on

Joseph Caruana

Jul 31st 2012, 15:35

I knew Cliff, through a friend and classmate Mark, at the age of 18, and had a drive in one of his MGs, It was a friendship that blossomed then into business.

In all the years I knew him, he always greated everyone with his smile, and even in his day tio day sought to help anyone and managed.

This man, always amazed me, how during the years he never changed one bit, he was always the Cliff , we knew.

A good person.

Who ever hit Cliff, we are all sure , it was an accident.

We are more sure that probably you are suffering, as much as his wife, kids, all of us , who knew Cliff since his young age, and the rest of the country.

Come and speak to his wife, there you will find comfort. She deserves to know, what happened, or what his last words, could have been.

If you are not prepared to meet her physically, write her a letter, or speak to her, through your lawyer.

In this accident, there are many victims, including me and you.

Courage my friend.

Steve Zammit

Jul 31st 2012, 10:50

3 Snin ghaddew min mindu miet Cliff Micallef u ma mornix ghall-ahjar, qisu xejn mhu xejn

Ghalxix qed nistennew? sakemm immut ragel iehor? jew immut xi tifel bir-rota?

Tal misthija

Mr Adrian Zahra

Jul 31st 2012, 06:17

Actually very little done on a lot more things. excuse the pun.

M Cassar

Jul 30th 2012, 21:43

No Ms Micallef, driving under the influence is not a silly act and it is not up to the individual to do this when he/she feels like it! You are being kind. It is up to the state to enforce and pass legislation regarding DUI. It is totally shameful that we are in the highest bracket in the EU when it comes to alcohol allowance for new drivers AND alcohol is not automatically tested for in every accident. Just look at statistics for Malta, the figures for accidents and deaths where alcohol was involved are not available......how smart is that? We do not even care to find out how big the problem is.......

A.f Ellul

Jul 30th 2012, 16:11

here , we have no safety roads anywhere in Malta, first to say is how many drivers obey the sighs on the roads, we haven’t enough space to make cycling area, and even those horses running on the roads are very dangerous too. No lights, no indications and no any signals. We have areas for racing cars and horses. Why we haven’t an area for racing of the bicycles? Needs to create one.

Joe Gatt

Jul 30th 2012, 15:51

This article highlights the major problems of this country: minor issues are left untreated for too long, then wrongdoers become more audacious and bold to the disadvantage of the righteous citizen. A man is killed while training. the drunken driver who allegedly ran him over is still awaiting trial, the widow is struggling to maintain her family because the insurance firm is trying it's best not to give compensation. so the widow is forced to go to court to get what is rightfully hers and thus plays directly into the insurer's hands. That's all they want; the case is sub judice so they cannot give compensation, and court cases take long, all the better for insurers.
What should we call this? Anarchy in Malta? The law of the Maltese jungle?
We the citizens are really frustrated by all these issues taking so long to resolve! And i haven't started about cyclists' and other road users rights, were people (including cars drivers) are injured by other road users and they go through hell to get compensated by the insurers and/or the perpetrator.

S.M. Cuschieri

Jul 30th 2012, 15:29

On reading this story, my heart went out to this poor woman and her family.Initially, when an accident or a sudden unexpected illness leading to death occurs, you tend to find that everyone rallies around, helping and offering their condolences and support. So far, that is fine and the poor widow, until the funeral is over, finds herself "coping". But it is after that the poor woman needs help. No one is around when her assets are frozen, and when she has to face that her loving husband will never be coming back and when, she finds herself suddenly with only a meagre pension to get by on and trying to cope with children who are keening over from grief. It is after that it hits you. When even the tiniest of things, such as the smell of his clothes in the wardrobe, or his car in the garage reminds you that you are now on your own. And yes, the banks and insurances are ruthless. Obviously when you are alive and kicking, you are greeted at the bank with a smile but when you really need them, then you find obstacles everywhere. Yes, it is after when the widow needs help and then, no-one goes to her with a cheque saying "here, this is to help you out". She has to struggle with the grief of losing her life and coping with the every day demands and bills. I cannot bear to imagine myself in that position and yes, it is after that I think of htese widows...It is after that the pain becomes unbearable. And this poor woman cannot yet feel closure. The bastard that mowed down her husband under the influence of alcohol, to make matters worse, has not even yet been sentenced. Hekk sewwa allura??? U ejja come on authorities, your help is needed here to help cushion the aftermath of unexpected deaths and not to make matters worse. Everyone, basically from the day after the funeral, forget, and leave the family to struggle on alone.

Alexander Pace Gouder.

Jul 30th 2012, 15:07

Fully agree with Mr.E.Azzopardi (To-day 12..21) The Paint being used is hopeless. When lines, parking bays and Zebra crossing are painted the paint in our street lasts just for a month. In fact at the moment they need repainting again. b) With regard to the lanes I drive almost daily a motorcycle and still do not know if I can use the Bicycle Lane. One Warden tells you "You Can" another "Do not" When I do use I reduce my driving speed to about 25 Kilometers in respect of any bicycle drivers. It seems that , an example is the bicycle lane which starts from St.Andrews up to Bahar ic-Caqgha are a MAKE SHIFT LANES. It is more dangerious to drive in them then on the rest of the road. It is full of bumps especially when you find a metal cover which is lower then the road. Another hazard are branches of trees which hang over some side wall or bushes and if you are not that carefull as you turn a bend you get hit in the face. I am sure Cyclists know what I am saying.

Vivienne Portelli

Jul 30th 2012, 14:44

Shame how insurance companies can act so inhumanely knowing well enough that this mother, widow, is struggling so much to bring up her 3 sons. I can only imagine since I am also a mother of 3 sons and it is definitely no joke to be in such a position without your husband by your side. May God Bless this family and keep them safe.

Mr Saviour falzon

Jul 30th 2012, 14:16

*Shirley Micallef, whose husband was killed in a hit-and-run accident while cycling along the Coast Road three years ago today, is insisting more needs to be done to make roads safer for cyclists.*
**************************** ******************
First my respect to you and all who had passed from such.
The roads are safe to noone , with all the ,king of the roads that are there.
Not even the pavements,are safe.
No Law enforcement or too little comparing to the quantity of cars on the road.that the main problem.

Paul Zahra

Jul 30th 2012, 14:10

The bicycle lanes along the coast road are not continuous due to the width of the road. The road can easily be widened mainly on the Maghtab side (especially at the dangerous bends) to allow for a continuous bicycle lane. Moreover, potholes should be filled not only in the main road but also in the cycle lanes and please in a level

G G Debono

Jul 30th 2012, 13:36

Joseph E Briffa (below ) rightly says “A careless driver can still hit a cyclist riding in his lane”

How very true.

It is accepted that a poorly designed lane is more dangerous than nothing at all. This is especially the case when they are not wide enough and bicycle users end up getting less room on the road than they would if there wasn’t a lane at all. This is made worse by vehicles that drive right up to the line of the lane, giving less clearance and endangering the cyclist. Most of the so-called “cycle lanes” in Malta are highly dangerous because they are not continuous and this places inexperienced (or young) cyclists in a dangerous position because they have to pull out unexpectedly into traffic (which is a skilled piece of manoeuvring, demanding some experience.) What usually happens is that the cyclist pulls out and hopes for the best and then motorists blame them. .

Eric Muscat

Jul 30th 2012, 13:18

How I wish that our politicians discuss cycling in the same manner in which it is discussed in other countries. WARNING: this is a 3.5 hr discussion but if you you care to listen to a 5 - 10 minute slot you realise where we can go with this. www.parliamentlive.tv/Main/Player.aspx?meetingId=10088

Matthew Pace

Jul 30th 2012, 12:44

When I run I never run in direction of traffic but always against, I wouldn't dream of trusting drivers coming from behind me, then there is the other problem, where there are no pavements, protruding twigs and bushes that force you to run out to almost the centre of the road. Not to mention missing pavement slabs or potholes. I hate criticising because I feel that my country is the best country in the world to live in, but authorities ignore sports enthusiasts like ourselves, take a case in point the new bypass in Mskala had ample room for a cycle land but our planning people are obviously not cyclists.

Matthew Pace

Jul 30th 2012, 12:37

Shame on the police force we are probably the only country in Europe where drinking and driving is illegal but never enforced. Two years ago actually met police commissioner about this, I do not cycle I run, though running long distance during the night to avoid summer heat is a joke, as the amount of violent drunk drivers roaming our streets is incredible. You never see a police car enforcing breathalyser tests in malta, foreigners know they can drink and drive here as they would not dream of doing so in their countries. Us locals do it all the time. What is the point in having a police force with laws when everybody knows they are never enforced.

Saviour Aquilina

Jul 30th 2012, 12:26

And what about that driver that kill him? Is he still driven? When he will get what he deserve? Ta Qali is very danger even to walk, I go there nearly ever day and 80% of the roads are in a state that not even a third world country did`t have.

E. Azzopardi

Jul 30th 2012, 12:21

What lines? There are so many fainted lines, zebra crossings etc. What do we use to paint those blessed lines on our streets and roads? Whitewash? The paint starts vanishing after a few weeks. It seems to me that when those responsible go abroad, they never notice anything and more importantly then NEVER learn anything. I something think that by using that sort of paint, it has then to be done over and over again and of course people are being kept in employment, not productively of course!

Roger Chenery

Jul 30th 2012, 12:19

"A 21 year old man, Anthony Taljana was charged with running him over whilst under the influence of alcohol and his case is still pending" This happened three years ago and joins a long line of serious cases many nvolving loss of life which are sill ongoing. Unless an accused person pleads guilty it appears to be the rule rather than the exception here in Malta for a case to drag on seemingly forever. It is therefore understandable that the majority of the general public have little or no confidence in the Maltese justice system and those responsible for it.
SHAME ON SUCH A SYSTEM

A. MICALLEF

Jul 30th 2012, 12:12

Fi toroq hawn hafna road bullies, issa wkoll moda vetturi minghajr number plate quddiem,
jew inkella b-number plate mghawweg ma xi bumper jew ma xi bonnet. Addio il-makers
specifications, jimmodifikaw il-vettura kif jghogob lilhom, addio road safety. Il-pulizija
ma trid tghamel xejn. Kemm hawn jigru bla-licenzja u insurance ??

A Camilleri

Jul 30th 2012, 12:05

while i sympetise with this family, i would like to add that driving in malta is going worst instead of better, even for other car drivers, not enough traffic policmen and even when they are about they dont do anything about it. this morning from qajjenza to zurrieq we saw 2 arriva drivers on mobile while on the move and one of them was a bendy bus going at high speed, thats besides we had a couple of drivers doing U turns where they should have not done, thats only in a few kilometers drive.

C Pisani

Jul 30th 2012, 11:55

There is a very simple solution to all this. Actually 1 word. ENFORCEMENT. If the Police force do their job by patrolling streets, and take random alcohol test it would discourage drivers. Add to this the courts that give out proper (read tough) sentences in a timely manner. With this simple method, people will be FORCED to improve, or they will pay the price, something that DOES NOT happen in this country.
May I know what is taking the courts so long to hand their sentence to Anthony Taljana? People will NOT forget this hideous and cowardly act, by this so called person, so get off your lazy backsides, and give him a sentence that will make every driver in Malta think twice before getting behind a wheel while under the influence.

Franco Abela

Jul 30th 2012, 11:50

CRASH BARRIERS CRASH BARRIERS CRASH BARRIERS!!!!

REPAINTING THE LANES IS IMPORTANT BUT BICYCLE LANES ON MAJOR ROADS LIKE THE COASTROAD SHOULD HAVE CRASH BARRIERS OR POLES TO PROTECT THEM FROM CARS AND BUSES!

TRANSPORT MALTA SHOULD KNOW THAT WHITE PAINT DOES NOT KEEP CARS FROM DRIVING ON BICYCLE LANES AND HITTING SOMEONE AND SHOULD DO THEIR UTMOST TO INCREASE ROAD SAFETY, IRRELEVANT OF THE COST.

ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN DUE TO NEGLIGENCE BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE PURELY ACCIDENTAL... IN ANY CASE A CYCLIST SHOULD NEVER END UP THE VICTIM!

READING THIS ARTICLE MAKES ME THINK (and confirm) THAT FOR TRANSPORT MALTA WE ARE JUST A NUMBER!

Robert Cassar

Jul 30th 2012, 11:38

Poor Lady and yet no one help hers...so much for justice in this country....shame on the insurance company who are not doing their duty and pay this family for the tragedy they have suffered..

George Debono

Jul 30th 2012, 11:13

"Throughout all this, she adds, “the coldest people are the insurance people”. Her family was being made to spend years in court fighting for compensation when they needed the money now."

The case has been proven in court, the perpetrator apprehended, and Cliff, being a businessman, would most probably have had hefty insurance. So why this dragging of feet ? Insirances are like that, quick to cash in, and very difficult when it comes to paying out. Unfortunately, this only happens in Malta. Its time for legislation to curtail their heavy handedness. Pay the woman and her children !

E. Azzopardi

Jul 30th 2012, 11:12

Many of our roads (although we have done a few) are still a danger not only to cyclists but to motorists. Today, there are still big potholes and badly surfaced culverts in main roads and it has not rained, in case, those who always bring the excuse. It is just that, an excuse, as in Europe, which we are so proud to form part of, it rains even in summer and the roads are properly maIntained ALL THE TIME. It seems those responsible do not notice all these dangers. On the other hand, cyclists should be careful on the roads. For example, someone riding a bycycle should NOT go through a one way street. I have seen it many times.

G G Debono

Jul 30th 2012, 11:12

To ………………………..Kieron O'connor………Today, 10:09

Thanks for the comment.

Of course, one cannot agree more with what you say ie - that what is needed is cycle lanes independent of the roads as seen in many european countries.

But unfortunately it is impossible to create a comprehensive network of cycle facilities to cover all roads and rival the road network for completeness and convenience. This applies to all countries, this is especially so in many old (European) towns and cities or country roads.

It is therefore inevitable that cyclists have to share the road network with motor vehicles a significant part of their journey. This is unfortunately especially the case in Malta – where roads have been built only for the motor car and not other road users – and this includes pedestrians.

Consequently it is impossible to achieve the ideal situation where cyclists are separated from motor traffic in the majority of locations and (as elsewhere) cyclists and motor traffic must co-exist on many roads. It is generally agreed among cycle experts that money is spent on better training for all road users - with driver awareness campaigns etc - is the answer – while provision of inexpertly designed cycle lanes (as is the case now!) can make cycling more dangerous.

All cyclists can do is appeal to motor vehicle drivers to accept bicycle users on the road --- it is also in their interest because each bicycle on the road means one car less and one more parking space. .

Joseph E Briffa

Jul 30th 2012, 11:11

Road markings should be maintained all the time especially here in Malta where they seem to last only a few months. I always wonder why this happens here - is it because the type of paint used is not up to standard? It can't be due to the heat, markings in neighbouring Sicily and southern Italy seem to be able to survive the heat, why do our road markings fade so fast? This apart, while the markings for cycle lanes do help, they do not provide enough safety for the cyclist. A careless driver can still hit a cyclist riding in his lane especially if he is either driving too fast and/or under the influence, or being irresponsible by failing to allow a distance of at least a couple of meters between the vehicle and the cyclist when overtaking. It boils down to education. We should have more programmes on TV at prime time to educate the driving public to behave more responsibly. These programmes should be of great help to reduce accidents. Hope this suggestion doesn't fall on deaf ears.

J Farrugia

Jul 30th 2012, 11:11

It has to start from the very Top, look at the way the instructors teach people?? i'm 100% sure not one of them would pass the BSM test in the UK. The roads are badly designed, there is no enforcement at all and a general who cares attitude.
Trucks, taxi's,coach & mini bus drivers and even Arriva bus drivers need to take a test again.

Until this is done things will remain the same.

Anthony Grech

Jul 30th 2012, 11:05

The most thing I hate is to see drivers with their left hand dangling out of the door window. I do not know if this is against the driving law or not, but I have seen it too many times, including one police driving the service car.

Anthony Scicluna

Jul 30th 2012, 11:03

A wonderful man and someone who will never be forgotten.

Franco Abela

Jul 30th 2012, 11:03

REPAINTING THE LANES IS IMPORTANT BUT FOR THE SAKE OF CYCLISTS' SAFETY, CYCLISTS LANES ON MAJOR ROADS LIKE THE COASTROAD SHOULD HAVE SAFETY BARRIERS OR POLES TO PROTECT THEM FROM CARS AND BUSES!

ACCIDENTS CAN HAPPEN DUE TO NEGLIGENCE BUT CAN ALSO BE PURELY ACCIDENTAL... In ANY CASE A CYCLIST SHOULD NEVER END UP A VICTIM!

WHITE PAINT DOES NOT KEEP CARS FROM DRIVING ON THE LANE AND HITTING SOMEONE.

John Farrugia

Jul 30th 2012, 11:03

‘Little done’ on road safety three years on
I would say LITTLE DONE ABOUT ANYTHING IN THESE LAST 15 YRS

Steve Pace

Jul 30th 2012, 10:55

It was a big shock to See Clive fade away like this. -

I would also like to appeal to cyclists. It is not the first time i came across certain riders who place themselves in unnecessary danger by riding along side each other rather then behind each other in main roads... This in no way justifies any reckless driving from us motorists, but please do be careful and until such time that proper bike lanes will become a reality, use whatever we have considering its limitations.

vella m

Jul 30th 2012, 10:53

I think that talking on your mobile wile driving, is the number one cause of accidents today.

Joseph Tabone

Jul 30th 2012, 10:16

The way some people drive is really dangerous especially in some narrow roads without pavements. I've seen drivers busy talking on their mobiles and overspeeding just missing pushchairs & wheelchairs in the Lija, Attard & Balzan area. It's amazing how some drivers don't have the basic common sense to realize what their irresponsible behaviour can cause!!

Asta Peterson

Jul 30th 2012, 10:11

Myself i would advice any cyclist to keep off the Coast road, too many dare devils on a death wish and also if possible off any Maltese road, too many idiots doing their own thing.

Kieron O'connor

Jul 30th 2012, 10:09

It is hard enough in Malta for drivers to co-habitate with each other on the roads, the wish for drivers and cyclists to co-habitate on the roads with marked out cycle lanes is a dream.
What is needed is cycle lanes independent of the roads, they are seen in many european countries where large footpaths accomidate pedestrians and marked out cycle lanes.
Failure to take positive action will only lead to more deaths.
Who's procrastination over making decisions and taking action will be responsible for future loss of life?

Reinhard Azzopardi

Jul 30th 2012, 10:06

three years on and the perpetrator still hasn't paid for his ghastly deed.

Austin grech

Jul 30th 2012, 10:04

so much money spent on ariva bus stops and a reception party last year with no benefit to public safety.

Alex Caffari

Jul 30th 2012, 10:02

I believe that unfortunately things will not change soon enough on our roads until we get some enforcement of the rules. The problem in general is not a lack of driver and cyclist education, but rather a lack of respect for the rules and the safety of others.

A few perfect examples are:

1. Failure to stop at stop signs.
2. Failure to use indicators
3. Overtaking on solid lines, on bends and when there is oncoming traffic.
4. Failure to slow down for and/or allow sufficient distance between one's vehicle and pedestrians/cyclists/horses.
5. Following too closely at high speeds
6. Driving the wrong way on one-way streets (at a high speed so as not to get caught)

I see these things happen around me every day multiple times and sadly, some of these offences are also committed by police officers while driving police cars and motorcycles.

There is no excuse for any of the above and it is time some form of enforcement plan was put into action.

Charles Micallef

Jul 30th 2012, 09:43

Little done’ on road safety three years on..........correction, nothing was done on road safety over the past years and we still have a substantial number of licensed and dangerous idiots driving on our roads.....!

The authorities, and including the Police seems to shy away from educating and enforcing the traffic laws and regulations on our roads..............!

Mr Zeppi Borg

Jul 30th 2012, 09:28

Cliff was one on my great friends.... Great loss.....

We better start giving great prison penalties apart from bike lanes.

People would start to learn how to drive with 20 years prison penalties.