The number of road accidents this year thus far is statistically less than last year, but there have tragically been more deaths.
This is not to say that the number of accidents is low. In the third quarter alone the number of reported traffic accidents reached 3,916.
This year, in total, there were four road accident fatalities in the first quarter, five in the second quarter and seven in the third quarter, amounting to 16 road accident deaths this year so far.
This is already more than the 12 fatalities in road accidents in the whole of last year.
Each road accident death is a life taken early.
Looking at the National Statistics Office data could be part of the solution to help make Malta’s roads safer. For example, the data identifies in which areas the largest number of traffic accidents are in. Using that data, the authorities could then identify the roads on which accidents frequently occur and increase safety measures on them.
The authorities have taken action in recent months to try and make the roads safer. For instance, the planned introduction of random alcohol and drug testing can act as a deterrent for those considering to drive under the influence. There can be no excuse for doing so today when one can so easily call a taxi instead.
The run up to the Christmas and new year festivities will start in less than a month. That means Christmas parties, friends meeting up for drinks and dinners, parties so on and so forth. The don’t drink and drive campaigns will pick up steam as they do each year. Drink-driving places not just the driver, but also the passengers and others at risk.
A Roads Policing Unit was set up this year within the police force to enforce traffic rules and investigate causes of major traffic accidents. This could help identify issues on the roads and perhaps guide the authorities to increase safety measures wherever it is possible.
Of course increased traffic enforcement is also a must, in order to act as a deterrent to those who consider speeding or driving dangerously.
Drivers must also do their part. When in a rush, some people have a tendency to swerve through traffic, speed, or use dangerous manoeuvres. All it takes is one slip-up, one miscalculation for it to end in tragedy. One mistake can ruin a life.
Pedestrians too must be more cautious. Blindly crossing a road for instance without checking for oncoming traffic can be a recipe for disaster.
Accidents could be caused by so many issues that one really does need to be 100% in control. A car could pop out from a side road, some oil on the road could cause a driver to skid, a dog rushes into the middle of a road... the list goes on.
Driving carefully can prevent many accidents.