Traffic injuries in Malta : some considerations and suggestions

Abstract

This paper was read at the 12th Annual Clinical Meeting of the British Medical Association in Malta. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how local conditions affect the incidence of traffic injuries in Malta and also to present suggestions for their control. The very great and rapid increase in traffic which has characterized these last few years reflects the increased tempo of living in Malta. It would seem that whilst the congestion on our roads is the main cause of the majority of these accidents, lack of appreciation of the rules of the road is an important contributory factor, whilst the low grievous injury and mortality rates are more likely attributable to the topographical and meteorological conditions mentioned. The administrative measures outlined are meant to control the situation temporarily; but, for the effective prevention of these happenings reliance is to be placed on two equally important measures: first, the separation as far as possible of driver and pedestrian; and secondly the education of children from an early age. Finally, the plea for fuller and more informative statistics is again made with the greatest possible earnestness, as it is only through them that we can know whether the measures adopted are bearing fruit and whether we are going in the right direction.