Many drivers in Malta seem to 'lose control' according to police reports, and these end up bumping into other vehicles, trees, walls and also pedestrians on pavements.

Those who prefer to walk as they cannot stand the chaotic and congested traffic or those who like taking their fitness walk on pavements are not so safe after all. But that is not all. There are more perils ahead.

Most local walkways, especially in built-up areas, come to abrupt three-metre gaps making way for garages and other purposes every other seven metres or so. Consequently, one has to go up and down the pavement every now and again.

There are also humps, ramps and slopes on footpaths, probably due to meticulous street planning.

As if that were not enough, there are those who believe that the slopes at the beginning and end of some pavements are intended for bikers and skaters to have an easy ride mounting pavements and weaving their way among pedestrians. Not many seem to realise that these ramps are meant for prams, pushchairs, wheelchairs and the like.

Then we have the eco-friendly people who like to grow trees and shrubs in their garden and like to share them with pedestrians by letting the branches and twigs extend to the other side of the pavement; pruning is not in their dictionary. Many people are caught by the hair - those who have it at least - as they go along or have to fight their way pushing branches to make their way through. Some opt for going down the footpath, but they are risking life and limb as more often than not these have to go to the middle of the road because cars are parked next to the pavement.

Now imagine a mother with a pushchair or pram, or someone in a wheelchair having to man-oeuvre all this. Does anyone care about such people? Does anyone realise the risks these people have to take because of the negligence of others?

Another thing which seems to occur only in Malta is what I call 'pavement showrooms'. Many car dealers go one step further and not only display their cars alongside the pavement but also across it, blocking both the sidewalk and part of the street.

They feel they have a right to do so and they wash cars and leave them there day and night. It's amazing how police and wardens do not seem to notice such offences.

Should you decide to go for a walk, watch out for any potholes or damaged, missing or broken slabs - you never know, Malta is full of surprises.