A training session titled ‘Road Safety – Our Priority’ was recently held at the Mapfre offices as part of the Continuous Development Programme for the Distribution Network.
The session was organised in light of recent legislation approved by Parliament allowing Police to conduct random breathalyser and drug testing on drivers.
This important development follows sustained lobbying efforts by advocacy groups, medical professionals, insurers, and other stakeholders committed to improving road safety in Malta.
The event brought together over 150 staff members and licensed intermediaries and featured two distinguished speakers: Mr Pierre Vella ex Chair of the Road Safety Council and Dr Jonathan Joslin Consultant emergency Physician at Mater Dei.
Mr Vella, a consultant on road safety, delved into practical tips on understanding car safety features whilst ensuring their optimum working order, the rules of the road, speed and respect towards passengers, pedestrians and other drivers.
Dr Jonathan Joslin captured the audience with a run through of the evolution of pre-emergency care over the last 40 years to the present day.
The initial medical assistance at crash sites was very basic both in terms of knowledge, resources and equipment.
Over time responders’ training grew through hands-on experience whilst equipment, ambulances, hospital back up and communication became much more sophisticated.
Today the target is Vision Zero which is based on the belief that loss of life is not an acceptable ‘cost’ of mobility or work.
Instead of blaming individuals for mistakes, it focuses on designing systems that prevent human errors from leading to serious harm.
The overarching message throughout the session was clear: every individual has a duty of care towards making Malta’s roads safer and protecting one another.
