TMID Editorial: Road accidents

There were 13 road or traffic-related deaths in 2024, slightly down from 14 in 2023, which was in turn down from 26 in 2022, which had been the deadliest recorded year for road fatalities in Malta.

Having fewer road deaths is, of course, good news, especially given that the number of vehicles on the roads is ever increasing, but the need to improve safety on the roads remains there.

Looking at statistics for the first three quarters of 2024, the number of traffic accidents on the roads was higher during those months than when compared to the same period the previous year. There were 12,642 traffic accidents reported in the first three quarters of 2024, compared to 12,437 in 2023.

There is a lot that can be done to reduce danger on the roads. Some things can be introduced or fixed by the government, others require a change in behaviour.

For example, when it comes to road excavation works, there are times when one finds has some netting between the excavated part of a road, and the part where vehicles pass. This is dangerous, and is a hazard that can easily be remedied.

Installing a zebra crossing right at the exit of a roundabout is also dangerous, as drivers might be looking right and not see a pedestrian in time. There are a few examples of such crossings in the country.

The government had also promised the setting up of a Road accident bureau. It was meant to be set up at the end of 2023, but Doctors for Road Safety at the end of 2024 said that "the promised Transport Safety Investigative Commission has now missed the deadline of its establishment by yet another year. This Commission is essential to investigate such crashes and then execute changes to prevent similar recurrences. It was promised to us following the first National Road Safety Conference organised by our NGO in 2022. This lethargy is symptomatic of road safety not being given it's urgent due priority by policymakers in this country." The government should ensure that it is up and running as quickly as possible.

One also cannot stress enough the importance of keeping calm while driving. Constant traffic on the road makes people's blood boil, which in turn ends up resulting in some people driving dangerously because they are late. Resisting such an urge is key to avoiding accidents. Being considerate of others on the road can avoid accidents and save lives. It only takes one mistake for an accident to occur.

When it comes to enforcement, the police do carry out road checks, as is evident by the lead up tot he New Year, where the police said they booked more than 400 drivers in the last 10 days of the year, stopping 4,700 vehicles in 170 road checks. But more presence on the roads is needed year-round.