Broken sticks and small carrots

The national debate is all the time taking different twists and turns; but in all circumstances, the common underlying denominator remains highly politicised.

Little room, if any, is allowed for other issues to reach the national agenda. There is even less opportunity for side issues to enter the public domain, with views on secondary issues inevitably remaining in abeyance. In many cases, issues labelled as secondary remain unaddressed, are superficially tackled or, even worse, suffer from cut corners thinking. I am compelled to pen this piece in view of the recent erection of iron barricades in centre strips at beginning of the Birkirkara by-pass near the University and in Triq Nazzjonali, Floriana, just outside Bieb il-Bombi.

To be honest, while I write I am still between two minds. I am not sure whether the initiative carried out by Transport Malta is the most sensible and appropriate, or whether the Authority has given up efforts, if any ever were taken, to instruct pedestrians to use subways where available.

I will not delve into the visual aspect of the barricades. The purpose of the barricades is not to improve, restore or embellish our roads. The reason for the barricades is to stop irresponsible and reckless pedestrians from crossing these very busy multiple lanes of traffic.

Indeed, if the erection of the barricades saves even one pedestrian’s life then they are worth having them, even if the barricades are an eyesore and spoil the open space, particularly in front of Bieb ilBombi. From the viewpoint of safety, Transport Malta should be applauded for striving to make our roads more secure. But then, looking at the issue from a different perspective, it seems that Transport Malta has failed to persuade and direct pedestrians to use the already constructed subways to cross these roads. It is evidently clear that, despite the subways, numerous pedestrians opt to perilously cross the multiple lanes.

But this is also indicative that, regardless of years of schooling, pedestrians still lack basic and proper behaviour. Social studies, aimed at promoting civic competences, and a subject which is taught at schools, has not reached the pedestrians of my generation nor, it seems, is making much in-roads with the younger generation.

Crossing the streets between moving cars reveals the selfish behaviour of pedestrians who recklessly risk their lives, and that of others. Crossing the street is something we do very often. We hardly realise what could be in store for us when we carelessly step down the pavement and attempt to cross the street without concern for any oncoming cars. People are not only willing to risk their lives, but they also put the vehicles travelling down the road in jeopardy. At times, unthinking parents push their young children in pushchairs in front of them while crossing busy roads. This practice is dangerous, and made worse by the growing number of distracted drivers who, although illegal, text or talk on the phone while driving.

The bottom line is that pedestrians will always lose in a collision with a vehicle, no matter which party is to blame. This simple fact, and the severity of an injury that a pedestrian is likely to suffer even in relatively low-speed collisions, underscores the steps one must take to prevent such incidents. Yet many pedestrians take huge risks. This is evidently clear in many of our busy streets on a daily basis.

The use of subways is unquestionably the sensible alternative.

It goes without saying that subways should be kept clean and secure. Security cameras should monitor any unlawful actions which may take place. Subways should not substitute public conveniences and any abuse should not be tolerated. Charges and hefty fines should be imposed in cases of abuse. Pedestrians using the subways should feel safe at all times.

But subways are not the only option. Designated points such as zebra and pelican crossings are safe too. Traffic lights not only provide adequate traffic control but also protect pedestrians when crossing from one side of the road to another.

Why pedestrians take such huge risks with their lives is beyond me, and I trust I should add, beyond many others. Crossing very busy, major traffic roads haphazardly is similar to playing Russian roulette, but some pedestrians are willing to chance their lives and that of others.

Perhaps a bit of education, more discipline and heavier fines are not amiss.

We hardly realise what could be in store for us when we carelessly step down the pavement and attempt to cross the street without concern for any oncoming cars. People are not only willing to risk their lives, but they also put the vehicles travelling down the road in jeopardy.