Malta’s Reckless Races: Dangerous Stunts Go Viral

Imagine this: You’re driving down Triq San Gwann, a bustling street in Birkirkara, when suddenly, a car comes speeding past you, weaving in and out of traffic like it’s on a racetrack. The driver, with a group of friends in the car, is filming their reckless stunt. This isn’t a scene from a Hollywood movie; it’s a reality that’s been playing out on Maltese streets, thanks to a group of thrill-seekers who’ve been sharing their dangerous antics on social media.

Videos of these speeding sprees have gone viral, sparking outrage among locals. One clip, shot in Qormi, shows a car speeding down Triq San Leonardo, narrowly missing pedestrians and other vehicles. Another, filmed in Msida, captures a car doing doughnuts in a parking lot, kicking up dust and causing alarm. These videos, often set to loud music and edited for dramatic effect, are being shared on social media platforms with the hashtag #MaltaSpeedChallenge.

“It’s not a challenge, it’s dangerous and irresponsible,” says Mario, a Birkirkara resident who witnessed one of these stunts firsthand. “They’re putting lives at risk, including their own, for likes and shares.”

Malta Police have issued stern warnings, reminding the public that such behaviour is illegal and can result in hefty fines, points on one’s license, and even imprisonment. Inspector Ian Abela from the Malta Police Force Traffic Department explains, “Driving recklessly, speeding, and using a mobile phone while driving are all offenses. We’re treating these videos seriously and will take action against those involved.”

But the legal consequences are just one part of the problem. The real concern is safety. Malta’s roads are already congested and accident-prone. According to the National Statistics Office, there were 1,154 road traffic accidents in Malta in 2020, resulting in 21 fatalities. We don’t need more reckless drivers adding to these statistics.

Dr. Maria Attard, a psychologist specializing in road safety, says, “This behavior is a cry for attention and a desire for excitement. But it’s misguided and dangerous. We need to educate young drivers about the real consequences of their actions.”

So, what can be done to stop these dangerous stunts? More enforcement, certainly, but also education. Schools could incorporate road safety into their curriculum, teaching students about the real-life consequences of reckless driving. Social media platforms could also play a role, taking down these videos and banning users who share them.

“We need to make it clear that this kind of behavior is not acceptable,” says Mario. “It’s not cool, it’s not funny, it’s dangerous. And it’s not welcome on our streets.”

Let’s hope that the next viral video from Malta isn’t another reckless race, but a public service announcement showing the real consequences of these dangerous stunts.