The Maltese are not exactly famed for their driving. Except for when in the vicinity of a speed camera, drivers rarely show respect for the Highway Code or demonstrate any basic driving manners.

Offences range from the wild to the apparently tame. In the first category are speeding, ignoring one-way road signs, not slowing down when approaching a pedestrian crossing, making and taking calls while driving, and jumping red lights. Moreover, there’s the attitude. Stuck in traffic, a lot of drivers are a nervous wreck and the least thing triggers a bout of road rage.

And we still think that Malta’s roads are those of a century ago, when seeing a car drive by was an exotic event: the reality is that there are more than 300,000 licensed vehicles on the road which, combined with the size of our island, isn’t an easy scenario.

The first thing you must do is to take steps to ensure your own safety and that of others

Then there are what we might perceive as minor offences. The majority of drivers never use an indicator and a lot nurse the pastime of driving at a snail’s pace on the overtaking lane. Not to mention the ubiquitous one arm dangling out of the window, which means that whoever is driving is doing so with one hand.

However, even these minor offences can lead to traffic accidents, serious injuries and worse. The latest statistics published by the National Statistics Office show that the number of traffic accidents rose by 1.3 per cent in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period last year. Between April and June, there were 3,795 reported traffic accidents. In the same period, 492 traffic casualties were reported. There were 263 drivers who suffered slight injuries, 28 who reported grievous injuries, and one fatality. An injury sustained by one pedestrian also proved fatal.

To lower these statistics, it’s important that we show less aggression and more common courtesy on our roads. Also, to ­increase the safety on our roads, it’s important to know what to do if you’re involved in a traffic accident.

The first thing you must do when you are involved in a traffic accident is to take steps to ensure your own safety and that of ­others. Check that you, the other driver, passengers and pedestrians haven’t suffered any serious injuries. If there are serious injuries, call the emergency services immediately.

Then secure the area of the accident. Switch on your hazard lights and do not block the traffic – if the cars are blocking the traffic and the accident is minor, move the vehicles to a safer location.

In the case of a front to rear collision, you don’t need to call the traffic wardens or police. Complete the bumper to bumper form with all the correct details and describe the accident as accurately as possible. Both parties should sign the form and drivers should give their copy to their insurer.

If you are involved in any other type of collision or when the front to rear impact is severe, call the Local Wardens Central Office on 21 320 202. You will be asked a series of questions and, depending on your answers, the wardens will take the appropriate action. It is important to wait till the wardens arrive on the scene of the accident. In the case of serious collisions, do not move the vehicles unless instructed to do so.

Once on the scene, the warden will report on the accident, draw a sketch, take photographs and take statements from the drivers involved and any witnesses. Do not admit liability: the insurance companies will determine that. It’s also a good idea for you to take photos of the cars involved and of the scene of the accident: these might prove valuable in strengthening your claim.

Inform your insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. Even if you eventually decide not to make a claim, you should still notify your insurance company. Your insurance company will obtain the wardens or the police report – however, you will also need to give your insurer all the necessary information. If you will proceed with your claim, then you will also need to complete a claim form. Insurance companies may have different claims procedures – inform yourself accordingly.

Passing the test

Do

• Always keep a bumper to bumper form in your car
• Take photographs of the collision
• Take down the details of the other person or persons involved in the accident, including contact numbers, vehicle registration number, insurer and type of cover.
• Draw a rough sketch of the accident, noting traffic signs and weather conditions

Don’t

• Never leave the scene of the accident – it is illegal to do so
• Do not argue with the other parties and keep calm
• Don’t admit any fault as this might compromise your claim
• Don’t move the cars until the wardens or police tell you to do so

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