Reckless Races: Speeding Videos Expose Maltese Streets’ Dark Side

Imagine this: You’re driving down Triq San Giljan, the sun is setting, and you’re enjoying the view of Spinola Bay. Suddenly, a car comes speeding past you, weaving in and out of traffic, its occupants laughing and filming. This isn’t a scene from a Fast & Furious movie; it’s a reality many Maltese drivers face daily. A recent spate of videos circulating on social media shows reckless driving and speeding incidents happening right here on our streets.

Videos like these are nothing new on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. But when they start showing up on local groups and pages, it’s a sign that the problem is closer to home than we think. One such video, posted on a Malta driving group, shows a car speeding down Triq L-Imdina in Rabat, narrowly missing pedestrians and other vehicles. The caption? A laughing emoji and the words “Just another day in Malta.”

But is it just another day? Or is it a sign of a growing problem that needs to be addressed? The videos have sparked outrage among locals, with many taking to social media to express their frustration and fear. “It’s not funny when you could kill someone,” commented one user on the video. Another added, “I see this all the time on my way to work. It’s terrifying.”

Speeding is a global issue, but it seems to be particularly prevalent in Malta. According to a 2021 survey by the Malta Police, 75% of drivers admit to speeding. The same survey found that 60% of drivers think others speed too much. So, why the prevalence?

Some point to the island’s small size and lack of public transport as factors. With no trains or trams, many Maltese rely on cars for daily travel. Others blame the culture, suggesting that reckless driving is seen as a sign of machismo. Whatever the reason, the fact remains that speeding is a serious problem with serious consequences.

In 2020 alone, the Malta Police recorded 1,284 road traffic accidents, with speeding being a factor in many of them. The most recent road fatality occurred just last week on Triq il-Kappella in Birkirkara, where a 24-year-old man lost his life in a high-speed crash.

So, what can be done to tackle this issue? The Malta Police have stepped up enforcement, with more speed cameras and increased patrols. But enforcement alone isn’t enough. Education is key, and that’s where initiatives like the ‘Arriva Siccu’ campaign come in. Launched by the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, the campaign aims to change attitudes towards road safety.

But it’s not just up to the authorities. We, as a community, need to hold each other accountable. If you see someone driving recklessly, report it. If you’re the one behind the wheel, remember that it’s not just your life at risk. Every time you speed, you’re putting everyone around you in danger.

As one commenter on a recent video put it, “It’s not about being a hero or showing off. It’s about being responsible and respecting other people’s lives.” Let’s make our streets safe, not just for ourselves, but for everyone who calls Malta home.