Picture this: the bustling streets of Triq l-Indipendenza, Qormi, on a typical weekday morning. Cars, vans, and buses jostle for space, while pedestrians weave through the traffic, trying to reach their destinations. Now, imagine this scene with the added tension of knowing that Qormi has topped the list for traffic accidents in the first three months of the year. It’s a reality that has residents and authorities alike concerned.

According to data from the Malta Police Force, Qormi recorded a total of 57 road traffic accidents between January and March 2023. This figure is the highest among all local councils, surpassing even the more densely populated areas like Birkirkara and Msida. The accidents ranged from minor fender-benders to more serious incidents, with a total of 74 vehicles involved.

Breaking down the numbers further, we find that February was the month with the highest number of accidents, with 23 incidents recorded. This could be attributed to the increased traffic during the Carnival period, as well as the wet and slippery road conditions that month.

We spoke to several Qormi residents and business owners to get their take on the situation. Many expressed their concern about the high number of accidents, with some blaming poor road infrastructure and others pointing to driver behavior.

“The roads here are narrow, and there’s barely any parking space,” complained Joe, a local shop owner. “Drivers are always in a hurry, and it’s a recipe for disaster.” Meanwhile, Maria, a long-time Qormi resident, suggested that the high number of accidents could be due to the lack of traffic calming measures in the area.

The Qormi Local Council and the Malta Police Force have both acknowledged the issue and are taking steps to address it. The council has announced plans to implement traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and pedestrian crossings, in areas with high accident rates. They are also considering the installation of CCTV cameras to monitor traffic and deter reckless driving.

Inspector Joe Micallef from the Malta Police Force Traffic Department told us, “We are aware of the situation in Qormi and have stepped up our patrols in the area. We are also working closely with the local council to identify hotspots and implement measures to improve road safety.”

As a Qormi resident, business owner, or frequent visitor, there are several things you can do to help improve road safety:

• Always adhere to the speed limit and drive defensively.
• Be extra vigilant when driving in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as around schools or during peak shopping hours.
• Report any road hazards or incidents of reckless driving to the Malta Police Force.
• Support the local council’s initiatives to improve road infrastructure and safety measures.

Let’s all do our part to make Qormi’s roads safer for everyone.