Drunk Driver’s €6,500 Lesson: Safety Doesn’t Get a ‘Pass’ on Maltese Roads

Picture this: It’s 2 AM on Triq San Giljan, St. Julian’s. A car, reeking of alcohol, swerves dangerously, narrowly missing a group of late-night revelers. This wasn’t a scene from a Hollywood thriller, but a real-life incident that ended with a €6,500 fine and a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving.

Drunk Driving: A Persistent Malta Menace

Malta’s roads, despite their size, can be treacherous. According to the Malta Police, drunk driving is a persistent issue. In 2020 alone, over 500 drivers were caught driving under the influence. The recent €6,500 fine, one of the highest to date, is a clear message from the authorities: enough is enough.

“We’re seeing a decrease in the number of incidents, but we’re not there yet,” says Superintendent of Police, Mario Portelli. “The message is simple: Don’t drink and drive. It’s not worth the risk to you, or others.”

€6,500: A Steep Price for a Night Out

The hefty fine was imposed on a 32-year-old man who was caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 1.3 grams per liter – more than three times the legal limit. Apart from the fine, he also received a 12-month driving ban and 24 community service hours.

But the financial hit doesn’t stop at the fine. According to local insurance provider, GasanMamo, a drunk driving conviction can lead to increased premiums, with some drivers seeing a 50% hike. “It’s a harsh reality,” says CEO, Joseph Gasan. “But it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential consequences.”

Preventing a Tragedy: What You Can Do

So, what can you do to ensure you don’t end up with a hefty fine, or worse, cause an accident? The solution is simple: Don’t drink and drive. If you’ve had a few, call a taxi, use a ride-sharing service, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

Local taxi service, Malta Taxis, has seen an increase in late-night bookings, a trend they welcome. “We’re here to keep Maltese roads safe,” says spokesperson, Mark Attard. “We encourage everyone to use our services if they’ve been drinking.”

Remember, a night out is fun, but it’s not worth risking your life, or someone else’s. As Mario Portelli puts it, “A few hours in a cell is better than a lifetime in regret.”

Next time you’re out, think twice before you get behind the wheel. Your life, and the lives of others, depend on it.