The effects of the misuse of alcohol and other substances have a detrimental effect on the whole of society. When in control of a vehicle it hands a deadly weapon to the driver if he or she is under the influence of either.

I have been through the issue of random breath testing abroad where I served as a police officer. It has always been a very touchy subject and there is the likelihood that the lawmakers of this country would shy away from legalising the practice. The police can still enforce stringent checks; there are already powers to stop a motor vehicle on a road even simply to establish if the driver is legal. Once this is done then while speaking to him or her, if they can either smell alcohol on the breath or if the driver seems incoherent, then officers can carry out the relevant procedures. The attitude of some people in Malta is that there is nothing wrong with partaking of excess alcohol. Socially I attend numerous functions where alcohol is free flowing and it never ceases to amaze me seeing people who could hardly stand getting into their car and driving off. I am often ridiculed for refusing to drink and drive; it is a sad reflection on attitudes in a country where unfortunately incidents involving alcohol are on the increase.

A further observation contrary to popular belief is that it is not the younger generation who take the risk but the supposedly more mature citizens who definitely should know better.