National Alcohol Policy lacks measures to address drink-driving: Insurers

The Insurance Association Malta raised its concerns that the new National Alcohol Policy lacks any robust enforcement measures to address drink-driving. 

"With the island still reeling from a tragic number of road fatalities, it is disappointing that proven measures, such as random breath testing and mandatory alcohol testing after accidents, remain absent," the Association said in a press release on Monday.

The statement comes after Magistrate Joe Mifsud called for random roadside alcohol and drug testing of drivers, after a fatal Senglea motorcycle crash, which took place in June, revealed the rider had cocaine in his system. 

The National Alcohol Policy was launched in June to reduce alcohol consumption in the population through "evidence-based strategies".

The Association said it welcomed the policy's release for public consultation, but raised its concern that the publication, which was delayed by 17 months, is a signal of the authorities' lack of urgency, and how it left out a dedicated section on drink-driving found in the 2018-2023 policy. 

The Association pointed to the policy's own data showing that alcohol consumption in Malta rose by 23 per cent between 2010 and 2019, while the European average fell by roughly the same percentage. Almost half of those aged 20 to 49 admit to drinking more than six glasses of alcohol each week. 

“The policy acknowledges rising alcohol use across all age groups, yet remains practically silent on the sanctions and enforcement that are crucial to deterring repeat offenders. Education alone is the carrot, but without the stick of enforcement, it will not be enough,” IAM said. 

The Association urged the government to follow the lead of other European countries, which were implementing tougher laws to curb drink-driving, including random roadside checks and stricter penalties, such as higher fines and licence suspensions. 

It also called for mandatory reporting of driving-under-the-influence cases to insurers. It also called for the introduction of Alcolock devices, a breathalyser installed in a vehicle that would prevent the engine from starting if the driver is over the legal limit.

It also suggested introducing subsidised taxi services during large events, coupled with campaigns to promote designated drivers.

Finally, it suggested greater use of CCTV footage to identify and deter dangerous behaviour on the roads. 

“Educating drivers on the risks is vital, but it must be matched by strong deterrents that make repeat offences far less likely,” IAM said. 

The statement comes following a spate of serious road accidents in recent weeks, several linked to drink-driving.

The Association also called on the authorities to ensure that the new National Alcohol Policy delivered meaningful change, warning that "without decisive measures, Malta risks relegating this policy to another missed opportunity, and drink-driving will remain a deadly, preventable threat on our roads”

In July, AFM soldier Benjamin Chetcuti was allegedly five times over the alcohol limit when his car hit 62-year-old Mildred Azzopardi in Valletta, killing her and injuring her husband. The test returned a positive result of 139.2 μg/100ml when the legal limit is 22micrograms.

On August 10, food courier Khim Bahadur Pun, 42, from Nepal, was killed when his motorcycle was hit by a car driven by a 17-year-old in Santa Venera.The youth fled the scene but was arrested five hours later. Police said a breathalyser test found he was over the legal alcohol limit.