Picture this: Republic Street, Qormi, on a bustling weekday morning. Cars, vans, and buses jostle for space, while pedestrians weave through the traffic, trying to make it to work on time. Now, imagine this scene in the first three months of 2023. According to the Malta Police, Qormi topped the list for traffic accidents during this period. But why? And what can be done about it?

Between January and March, Qormi saw a total of 148 road accidents. That’s 17 more than the next highest, Birkirkara, and nearly double the national average. These accidents resulted in 237 vehicles being towed, 195 injuries, and, thankfully, no fatalities. But these numbers tell only part of the story.

Digging deeper into the data, we find that Qormi’s central location and busy streets are significant factors. The town’s main thoroughfares, like Triq San Girgor and Triq il-Kbira, are major traffic arteries, connecting the north and south of the island. This high volume of traffic, coupled with the town’s narrow streets and lack of dedicated pedestrian areas, creates a perfect storm for accidents.

We spoke to several Qormi residents and business owners about the issue. Many expressed concern about the lack of safe crossing points and inadequate signage. “I’ve nearly been hit crossing the street to my shop,” said Joe, a local butcher. “We need more zebra crossings and traffic calming measures.”

Others pointed to driver behavior. “People drive too fast through the town,” said Maria, a retired teacher. “They don’t seem to care about the speed limits or the people trying to cross the street.”

The Qormi Local Council is aware of the problem and has been working on improvements. They’ve installed new traffic signs and are planning to create more pedestrian crossings. However, they acknowledge that more needs to be done.

Traffic calming measures, such as speed humps and chicanes, could help slow down traffic. Better street lighting and CCTV coverage could also deter dangerous driving. increased police presence during peak hours could serve as a deterrent and help enforce speed limits.

But the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the council or the police. Drivers need to take responsibility too. Slow down, pay attention to the road, and respect other road users. After all, we’re all part of the same community trying to navigate Qormi’s busy streets.

As for pedestrians, be visible, cross at designated points, and make sure drivers can see you before stepping onto the road.

Qormi’s road safety issue is complex, with no single solution. It will take time, effort, and cooperation from all parties involved. But with the right measures in place and a collective commitment to safer roads, Qormi can become a town where residents and visitors alike can walk, drive, and cycle with confidence.

So, let’s make a pact. Let’s make Qormi’s roads safer, together. Because at the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get to where we’re going, safely.