Question Time: Holistic approach needed

Stacey Spiteri, Communications coordinator at the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security

Drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs is regarded as a prime cause of accidents, many a time ending in serious injuries and death. Articles in the media related to driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs have been around for a long time.

Regardless of the apparent fall in the number of incidents related to alcohol and drug driving, society does not appear to be happy with results.

The provisions on breathalyser tests in the Traffic Regulations, Chapter 65 of the Laws of Malta, guide police officers on what they have to focus on when dealing with cases where tests for alcohol or drug driving are needed. The provisions of the law state that police officers can only stop and question drivers and conduct breathalyser tests if they have ‘reasonable suspicion’ that a driver is intoxicated or is under the influence of drugs.

The law does not permit police officers to stop every driver during road checks. Backed by knowledge and experience, police officers are generally in a position to identify certain signs in drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or...