The government and various NGOs yesterday launched the campaign ‘Think before you drink’. Let us cut to the chase – it is no secret that Malta has never got to grips with the problem of drink driving. People go out for a night out and consume alcohol, and then they drive home. Let us be clear, not everyone does this, but many do.

Even if just one person drives while over the alcohol limit, it is one person too many. One only has to be out on a Friday or Saturday night to see that people who have consumed way too much simply get into their vehicles and drive, thinking that they are in control.

But they are not. It is plain to see, motorists make erratic maneuvers and weave along, oblivious to the danger they are posing to themselves, their passengers, other motorists and pedestrians. This, of course, is all backed up by science.

But, why do we never seem to crack the problem? Unfortunately, like many things in Malta – we put it down to ‘our culture’ and that it is so engrained that it cannot be changed. But it could be. Everywhere else in Europe, governments passed very strict laws to ensure that people caught driving under the influence are hit hard with fines and jail terms. There is zero tolerance. In fact, drink driving is completely taboo in most European countries and if anyone were to admit to it, they would be completely shunned.

Also, there is the problem that a Maltese court ruled that people cannot be pulled over for random breathalyzer tests as it is a violation of rights. That means that the police simply can’t take preventive action in testing people at random. People must either be involved in an accident, be driving erratically or behaving in a manner that shows they are incapable to drive. Many say that Malta’s roads are not ‘fast’ enough to need sobriety. This is absolute nonsense and, just like anywhere else, people at the wheel when they are impaired should not be tolerated.

The campaign launched yesterday goes beyond drinking and driving and also mentions the dangers of alcohol consumption. Apart from the very obvious risks to one’s health, going overboard with drink can often lead to fights and arguments. It can increase the likelihood of domestic abuse and can lead to risky sexual behaviour.

But there is also another phenomenon which is on the increase, and that is people driving under the influence of drugs. It goes without saying that people at the wheel while under hallucinogens or stimulants is a recipe for disaster. The only way that people can be warned is to embark on a brief shock campaign, something that has worked in the past. At the end of the day, there will still be some people who will take the risk and still drive.  Christmastime is a time for enjoyment of family and quality time. Having that one extra drink can wreck it all. Stay safe, moderate your consumption and do not drink and drive, you are driving a lethal weapon.