Malta Insurance Association Urges Updating Highway Code for Improved Road Safety

The Malta Insurance Association is calling for updates to the highway code, including harsher penalties and more effective enforcement, following Italy's lead, in order to improve road safety and curb illegalities on the roads. The association believes that addressing issues like distracted driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors could help reduce accidents and make the roads safer for all users.

Director General Adrian Galea stated that the authorities should take road safety issues seriously, not only by introducing tougher penalties but also through better enforcement, including greater use of technology. "The goal is to address issues like distracted driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors on the roads," Galea said. "Updating the highway code and enforcing it more strictly could help reduce accidents and make the roads safer for all users."

Galea noted that Transport Malta had announced plans to update the highway code in 2021, but no progress has been made in the three years since. He urged the local authorities to emulate the changes made by Italy, which include significant fines and license suspensions for offenses like using a phone while driving, driving on the wrong side of the road, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Why this matters: Improving road safety is a critical issue that affects all members of society. By updating the highway code and enforcing stricter penalties, Malta can reduce accidents, save lives, and create a safer environment for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.

Galea emphasized that these changes are relevant to Maltese drivers as they are subject to the EU's Cross-Border Enforcement Directive, which allows for the enforcement of traffic fines across member states. The insurance association is appealing to the local authorities to start a public consultation process on updating the highway code to improve road safety in Malta.

Key Takeaways

• Malta Insurance Association calls for highway code updates to improve road safety.
• Proposed changes include harsher penalties and better enforcement, following Italy's lead.
• Addressing issues like distracted driving, speeding, and dangerous behaviors could reduce accidents.
• Transport Malta announced plans to update the highway code in 2021, but no progress made.
• Updating the highway code and enforcing it strictly can create a safer environment for all.