Road safety in the Maltese Islands has become an issue not just for motorists but also for pedestrians. The issue is not just one of roadside impunity, but also of over population, frustrated motorists who try to cut corners, road rage and also substance and alcohol abuse. All these factors have contributed to make Maltese roads deadly as evidenced by the recent data published by the National Statistics Office. 2022 was the deadliest year ever in terms of traffic fatalities: with a total 26 road deaths. 

2023 has already claimed four lives during the first three months while the number of grievous injuries reported during this period rose by 13.3% over the corresponding quarter of 2022. In the last fortnight alone, another three fatalities were reported.  While sections of the media seemed to take solace from the fact that so far this year there have been less fatalities, we are still very much concerned. No amount of political spin can console relatives of those who have died as a result of traffic accidents. To add insult to injury, there is ample evidence that even when those responsible for these tragedies are brought to justice, the outcome at times leaves much to be desired. This was the case for example of Moira Cauchi who in 2016 was mowed down by a motorist speeding at 110 km/h while waiting on a pedestrian crossing along the Gzira front. Apart from the grievous injuries suffered after being flung in the air across the central strip, the victim suffered a brain trauma, leaving her unable to speak properly, and short-term memory loss. Ultimately, it took her months to regain some form of normality though her life was never the same.

From a legal perspective, justice took seven years to take its course and with the final outcome leaving a rather bitter taste, with the perpetrator getting a slap on the hand in the form of a suspended sentence, a three-year driving band and a fine of €1,683. While fingers were pointed to the Judge who handed the sentence, one must also look at the bigger picture, which is the parameters of the law. In this respect there have been calls to overhaul the criminal code to ensure that the punishment is proportional to the gravity of the crime committed.

The message should be loud and clear: reckless driving is a very serious crime with possible fatal consequences. Perhaps for many years, enforcement has focused too much on minor offences like illegal parking. It is time to contemplate longer driving bans or even jail terms. Unfortunately, efforts to draft road safety strategies and commissions are doomed to fail as long as the cowboys on Maltese roads do not start feeling the heat.