A 33-year-old traffic policeman is in critical condition after crashing into a lamp-post with his service motorcycle yesterday morning.
Eyewitnesses said they saw Police Sergeant Malcolm Mifsud fly off his motorcycle and losing his helmet before hitting the ground after he skidded on the slippery tarmac and smashed into a nearby lamp-post.
The policeman, who lives with his wife in Birkirkara and became a father just recently, was riding down Great Siege Street in Floriana, the hill leading to Hay Wharf from near the Hotel Phoenicia. The motorbike fell on one side and slid downhill before stopping over 20 metres away from the police officer, not far from the Excelsior Hotel.
Two plainclothes policemen happened to be passing by and immediately reported the accident and rushed to their colleagues assistance.
The eyewitnesses said PS Mifsud was bleeding from the mouth when he was turned over by paramedics. He was carefully carried onto a gurney and into an ambulance that rushed him to Mater Dei Hospital, where he was operated upon.
The police said last night that his condition was 'stable' and he was still in intensive care.
"God bless one of the best sergeants we have and his family," said one of his colleagues. "May God be with you sergeant".
News of the traffic accident shocked his colleagues.
One complained that traffic policemen on motorbikes wear the same uniform as the rest of the force, except for the driving gloves, riding boots and a motorcycle helmet, pointing out that most wear helmets that don't protect the face and which are not used in most countries.
Sources said the matter was discussed about a year and a half ago and it was decided to give motorcyclists more protective clothing.
"We need that gear now. One of us is looking death in the eyes," another officer said.
Superintendent Mario Spiteri, head of HR at the Police General Headquarters, said the force has been looking into the safety of its motorcyclists for some time and recently had a meeting to evaluate a uniform sample they received.
He said the force also had in issue motorcycle helmets that also protect the face but not all police officers used them. "We have always considered their safety and will continue doing so," Dr Spiteri said.