Driving while calling
I was waiting for a shop to open in one of the more narrow streets in St Julian’s when I was joined on the pavement by a an elderly lady who just narrowly missed the unwanted attentions of a car.
Nothing unusual in this except that as we looked down into the said vehicle going past, the driver was totally oblivious, head down, texting busily away.
This and making calls on mobiles while driving, is unfortunately not uncommon and can have very serious consequences. A friend was recently in a car accident where the driver was reported to have been using a mobile at the time. This is something which UK and American researchers have shown is 10 times more dangerous than drunk driving – so unfortunately it does happen.
It is high time that the authorities, from the simple beat policeman up to the highest level of the judiciary, started taking a zero tolerance approach to distracted driving, as well as drunk and fatigued drivers. Possibly doubling any penalties incurred in court, in the same way that crimes against minors are.
It’s time we got tough on these three areas and the damage that they do to pedestrians, cyclists and indeed other innocent motorists and motorcyclists.
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Joe Mallia
Nov 11th 2012, 21:32
Law enforcement is practically governed by the three monkeys syndrome.
GL Calleja
Nov 11th 2012, 16:41
I have traveled a lot but I never came across any other country that uses mobile phones than Maltese drivers. It seems like we cannot drive a vehicle without using the mobile phone. It seems like every other driver is using the mobile phone to talk or text while driving. If we can easily spot these reckless drivers why can't the law? I think the blame belongs to the police for not doing their job.
Mr Henry A. Grima
Nov 11th 2012, 13:53
What is the reason behind having all kinds of laws, when they are not enforced?
There should be more motorcycle police, and on the beat, day and night, especially during weekends.
Lately, in Zabbar, after sundown, on the bus stop, I counted tens of cars with lights switched off, rear and brake lights not working, not stopping on zebra crossings, etc. on the corner with the local Police station.
Giov DeMartino
Nov 11th 2012, 11:04
Making calls while driving IS the general rule and not vice versa. There is a very simple solution which I have been preaching for a long time: A fine of E 5000 for first offense and confiscation of vehicle for a second similar offense.
Peter Murray
Nov 11th 2012, 13:43
I agree but who will issue them with this fine?
Giov DeMartino
Nov 11th 2012, 17:32
The same persons who are so happy to give you a ticket if your car is not perfectly parked within the white lines.
Mr phil sam
Nov 11th 2012, 10:50
James, "Possibly doubling any penalties incurred in court," You mean a double suspended sentence ?.
Peter Murray
Nov 11th 2012, 10:32
Its high time we got tough on those not doing their jobs -THE ENFORCERS(yes I know it sounds like a Clint Eastwood action movie yet here, sad to say ,it would be a comedy)
Shaun Mc Carthy
Nov 11th 2012, 16:46
to me its a no-brainer !! On the spot fines for these offences and it would be cleared up in 3 months on this Island no problem hit them in the pocket , believe me they will soon stop .;
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