Drunk Driver’s €6,500 Lesson: Don’t Risk Malta’s Roads

Picture this: It’s 2 AM on Triq San Pawl in Birkirkara. A car, reeking of alcohol, swerves dangerously. This wasn’t a late-night joyride; it was a €6,500 mistake.

From Bar to Court: The Night’s Turn

Last Saturday started like any other for 32-year-old Joseph Xuereb. He had a few drinks at Il-Baracchino in Msida, then decided to drive home. Big mistake. Police pulled him over near the Birkirkara Church, and the breathalyzer didn’t lie – 1.33 mg/l, more than double the legal limit.

Xuereb’s night ended in handcuffs, not at home. His car was impounded, and he faced a magistrate the next day. The fine? A hefty €6,500, plus a 2-year driving ban. But the real cost? The risk he took with innocent lives.

Malta’s Struggle with Drunk Driving

Xuereb’s case isn’t an isolated incident. Malta’s roads have seen their fair share of drunk driving incidents. According to the Malta Police, in 2020 alone, over 1,000 drivers were caught drink-driving. And the consequences? Fines, license suspensions, even jail time.

But fines and bans aren’t the only penalties. Drunk driving claims lives. In 2019, a drunk driver caused a fatal crash on the Mgarr-Iklin road. The victim? A 37-year-old father of two. Xuereb’s actions could’ve ended just as tragically.

Alternatives: Taxi, Bus, or Designated Driver

So, what’s the solution? Simple – don’t drink and drive. If you’ve had a few, opt for a taxi, use public transport, or designate a sober driver. Malta’s public transport runs late, and taxis are abundant. No excuses.

Xuereb’s €6,500 fine is a steep lesson. But it’s one we all need to learn. Our roads are shared spaces. Let’s keep them safe.

“Drunk driving isn’t just about you,” says Dr. Maria Attard, a local psychologist. “It’s about everyone you share the road with. Think before you drive.”

Next time you’re out, remember Xuereb’s story. Remember the risk, the fine, the potential tragedy. Then, make the right choice.