British expat Graham Hurdle, who is on a mission to improve transport in Malta, believes that improving road safety "is all about our kids not getting killed".

Although his focus is not on public transport, he is quick to add that Malta should soon see an improvement in the sector, thanks to stricter EU regulations.

From next month, for example, new drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles like buses and coaches will have to undergo a four-hour theory test and a two-hour practical which they would have to pass to get their licence.

Mr Hurdle is in fact working together with the government and Mcast to set up courses for prospective drivers.

This system will, next year, apply also to truck drivers, and by 2013, all bus, coach and minibus drivers will have to undertake 35 hours of further training in order to keep their licence. The training will be undertaken every five years, in line with the EU directive.

But road safety should not be about blaming others, Mr Hurdle points out.

"We must look at our own driving and consciously try to improve it. Even when we're involved in a crash, rather than placing blame on others, we should see what we could have done better."

Mr Hurdle, who has been living here for the past two years, has set up a consultancy to advise clients on road and safety issues.

There are three key elements to improving road safety: education, engineering and enforcement.

"People start learning to drive at the age of two when they see their parents driving. Education must, therefore, start in schools, where children can be taught about the importance of buckling their seatbelts or crossing the road carefully."

Malta introduced a "real" driving test only recently, and driving instructors still have a long way to go, he claims.

"Once I followed a learner car. The instructor was on his mobile phone, while the learner was driving on the wrong side of the road. The instructor pulled the wheel and the car only just hit the curb. The learner did not get what he paid for, and did not learn anything except that he can get away with driving on the wrong side of the road."

Answering calls while driving, even if using a hands-free set, diminishes concentration and increases the chances of crashing.

"Whereas a passenger will probably stop talking to the driver if there is a hazard in the road, out of fear for their own safety, a caller will not, and could distract the driver's attention at a crucial time."

The government needs to focus more energy on road safety, and should keep it in mind when constructing roads, placing road signs, and erecting any buildings or trees that may obstruct a driver's view.

Mr Hurdle argues that the excessive car registration tax is keeping back drivers from buying safer cars with airbags and other safety features.

Although education must come first, enforcement is another key factor in improving road safety, according to Mr Hurdle.

"Cameras are useful but should only be used at accident black spots. The government should not give the impression that road safety is about money."

Road offenders should be forced to pay for short-driving courses rather than simply paying fines, so that they would be educated about their wrongdoings. This method has been very successful in the UK.

Mr Hurdle thinks road training should be a central part of health and safety for all businesses, especially for workers who are required to drive on the job. This will benefit businesses financially and keep employees safe.

"If everyone does their part, the 25 people who die every day from road accidents around Europe will be reduced."

The Malta Transport Consultancy is currently creating an educational website on drink driving and a leaflet about child safety to be distributed at a seminar to be organised by the EU in October.

Besides this, Mr Hurdle is aiming to meet business owners to provide consultation on road safety, as well as any driving instructors interested at improving their service.

For more information call 2152 3425 or visit www.malta transportconsultancy.eu.