As part of the Embrace Life 2021 campaign, designed by the Malta Road Safety Council, Touring Club Malta, members of the same council and the full support of Transport Malta, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg announced a project which will be offering 200 free first aid courses for new driving license holders.
The project will take its course from this June to September, where 50 drivers per month who obtain their driving license will be able to apply voluntarily to attend the course, which is on a first come first served basis.
Minister Ian Borg praised this initiative and explained how the aim of this government, apart from offering opportunities to young people to increase their skills in first aid, is to continue reducing the number of accidents on our roads.
He expressed his appreciation towards the FIA (Federation de la Automobile) and its President Jean Todt for believing, accepting and funding this project, and stated that this will be another successful initiative. He reiterated the government’s full support for both Transport Malta and the Malta Road Safety Council, which organise various educational activities throughout the year.
“Road safety in our country remains one of the highest priorities for this government. When we launch or announce a project which falls under the parameters of road infrastructure, the first question we address and our starting point is always the level of safety to be offered to road users. We are also aware of the fact that road safety is a two-way stream, a product of not only safe infrastructure, but also of user behaviour. As the number of cars on Maltese roads increases daily, we must continue to work for a collective understanding of safe and responsible behaviour on our roads. It is a known fact that the time between an accident and the arrival of the emergency services is crucial. One can lose or win a life. We believe that the result and achievement of these courses will be a step closer to having an environment and a society where you and I can save a life,” said Minister Ian Borg.
Transport Malta Chairman Joseph Bugeja said, “Project Embrace Life 2021 brings together various stage holders working towards one ambition – being safer on our roads. As the authority responsible in the issue of driving licenses, it is also our responsibility to make sure that these drivers, once on the road, keep in mind the concept of safety. First aid is a very vital element towards making people more conscious in being safe, especially on our roads.”
Malta Road Safety Council Executive Chairperson Pierre P. Vella said, “Project Embrace Life 2021 is not just another campaign towards road safety, but a solid exercise addressed at road safety. It is another clear example of various entities working together to address the issue of road safety, which coincides with the 6th UN Global Road Safety Week. Reducing fatalities on our roads is everyone’s obligation. We can set targets, but everyone has to do their part. Doing a first aid course when one has just passed his driving examination will make the individual more conscious of his responsibility towards himself and everyone around him. The objectives of the project are also to have people trained in first aid and to appreciate the importance of being safe. Finally, we have to thank the FIA (Federation International de l’Automobile) for believing in our project and supporting us within the program grant, as well as Malta Red Cross and Touring Club Malta.”
