Given our terrible record for traffic accidents and fatalities over the last couple of years, the police said they were extremely pleased that there were no major accidents on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

The main reason for this was that police upped the ante in breathalyzer testing. It turns out that some 400 people were stopped while on the roads and a total of nine people were arrested for driving under the influence.

The issue lies here. Some years back, a magistrates court ruling had found that stopping people randomly for breathalyzer tests was in violation of Constitutional rights, and the police were told that they could only stop people if there was clear suspicion that they were driving under the influence.

Thank God, the police have found a way around the legal dilemma in being able to stop people to inspect their documents (ID or licence). In that manner, they were able to get a good look at the drivers and from their eyes (or the smell of alcohol), tell whether they were drunk or not.

From there, the breathalyzer test becomes a formality and Bob’s your uncle; they took the drunks off the road. To be fair to the Maltese motorist, there does seem to be a change in mindset. People are taking taxis, using public transport, carpooling and trying to do their best to not drive while under the influence.

Of course, the police are still worried about New Year’s Eve, as it is a busier night and more people indulge. But, they have put a strong message out. If you are caught drink driving, you will get booked and there are consequences which follow.

We have seen so much loss of life from ‘normal’ accidents. It is tragic and it is an absolute waste of life. We have seen children being orphaned and we have also seen a young family wiped out.

At the end of the day, the message needs to be drummed in. Drinking and driving simply do not mix. It is a lethal cocktail (excuse the pun) and it does result in people being killed or maimed.

Shock advertising works. But at the end of the day, it is only a real presence on the road, by the police, which will work. It seems it has and it seems that the police are very serious about it and they mean business. We are in a situation where motorists – especially those who are due in at work early on New Year’s Day are actually afraid to take to the roads. This is unacceptable and the police should get everyone’s support in this drive. They have ours. We will also appeal to our readers. Be sensible, do not drink and drive. Take a taxi or use a designated driver system; it could potentially save your life and the lives of others.