Road fatalities down 27% in five years

Traffic fatalities registered a 27% drop in Malta over five years, a European Commission study revealed.

On a European level, the drop was of 17%, making Malta the fourth country with the highest reduction.

During 2015, 11 persons lost their lives whilst a total of 1,700 persons were recorded as having been injured during a traffic accident. Four persons have lost their lives this year so far.

“Behind every accident there’s a victim and suffering relatives,” Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela said.

Along with parliamentary secretary Stefan Buontempo, the minister today witnessed a simulation exercise by the Civil Protection Department during an event organised by the Zejtun council. The event also included a demonstration by the K-9 section and an activity to educate children on how to safely cross the road.

The minister said that a lot of accidents occur due to careless drivers or driving under influence. To this effect, higher fines came into force.

To increase awareness on road safety amongst elderly drivers, the police traffic section organised educational session. In Malta there are over 36,000 licensed drivers aged 65 and over.