Texting while driving is becoming an increasing danger on Maltese roads because “everyone is doing it and at all hours”, according to a traffic expert.
The police recently uploaded a gory graphic on their Facebook page to raise awareness about the perils of texting at the wheel.
Although the police do not have any statistics on the number of accidents caused by texting, former Assistant Police Commissioner Josie Brincat, who used to be responsible for the traffic section, said he even saw a biker sending an SMS.
Texting, which now includes instant messaging applications, is considered especially dangerous because of the eye contact and attention it demands.
“Drink driving happens normally in the evening or early morning but text driving is taking place all day and by all ages. It seems to be on the increase,” said Mr Brincat.
He emphasised the need to have stronger deterrents and for the law to be enforced not just by the police but also the courts.
An international study, published in the Traffic Injury Prevention journal, concluded that sending messages on a mobile phone led to risks comparable to drunk driving.
The study compared the effects of mobile phone use while driving with the effects of alcohol and found it was as dangerous as being a quarter over the legal drink-drive limit.
More in the e-paper on timesofmalta.com premium.