Tougher drink and drug driving laws welcomed

The government’s decision to introduce random roadside alcohol and drug testing has drawn support from the opposition and industry stakeholders, who say the measure marks a long-overdue step towards safer roads.

Police are to be given the power to randomly test drivers for alcohol or drugs as laws are revised to ensure anyone involved in fatal crashes while driving under the influence is sent to prison. 

The Nationalist Party said it was pressure from the party and civil society that pushed the government to change the course of Malta's road safety situation.

"Only days after the PN declared it would table a Private Members' Bill to address the situation, the government has now announced amendments along the same lines," the PN statement read. 

Shadow Minister for Home Affairs Darren Carrabot, Shadow Minister for Transport Mark Anthony Samut and Shadow Minister for Justice Karol Aquilina welcomed the new legal amendments. 

"Nevertheless, the PN cannot fail to note that after months of repeated appeals for such reforms – from the Opposition, doctors, experts, and several NGOs – the government only reacted once the PN announced its intention to take the initiative itself through a Private Members’ Bill in parliament," the statement reads.

"This confirms that the government is tired, has stopped showing initiative, and reacts only to what the Opposition says and does."

In a reaction to the PN's statement, the PL said the opposition did not realise the government had already shown the intention to strengthen the laws against driving abuse when it presented the first reading in Parliament in July. 

"The Nationalist Party spent the summer idle and then called a press conference after a number of serious accidents around our country, in a populist attempt to score political points," the statement reads.

Meanwhile, an emergency doctor who has been calling for random testing of motorists for alcohol and drugs praised the government's decision to introduce such random tests. 

“Reason prevails: Random roadside testing leads the way,” Jonathan Joslin said in a Facebook post on Tuesday, shortly after the government announced several proposals to curb drink-drug driving. 

“The adoption of random roadside testing marks a decisive step towards safer roads. By deterring dangerous behaviour such as drink and drug driving, it ensures greater accountability among drivers and creates a stronger culture of responsibility on our roads,” Joslin said.

Joslin repeatedly insisted that random testing would be a more effective deterrent to prevent serious traffic accidents than the reactive imposition of higher penalties to those who cause such crashes.

The changes will be incorporated into a bill tabled in parliament last June, titled Traffic Regulation Ordinance (Amendment) Bill, which will be debated once the sessions resume in September.  

If the bill is approved, police will be empowered to conduct drug tests on drivers, similar to current alcohol checks. Fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs will also be increased. 

Moreover, anyone who causes a person's death while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will face a mandatory prison sentence, eliminating the option of a suspended sentence.

The Insurance Association Malta said it has been actively lobbying for such measures over recent years, as it firmly believes tougher enforcement will serve as a much-needed deterrent against irresponsible and dangerous conduct on the roads.

“These measures send a clear signal to all that protecting the lives of responsible, law-abiding road users is paramount,” IAM director general Adrian Galea said.

The association said the reform represents an important step forward in safeguarding lives. 

Doctors for Road Safety also commended the proposed changes. 

"There is incontrovertible evidence that this measure will substantially reduce the number of crashes associated with life-changing injuries and death," the statement read. 

"Hopefully, the introduction of this amendment to the law, together with other measures, will change the culture and mindset of all drivers to value life and safety over death and tragedy."