🦺 Safety equipment, breakdowns and accidents

Seatbelts, child seats and airbags, the phone rule, what to do when you break down or have a collision, basic first aid, and eco-driving.

Seatbelts

Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, front and rear, whenever one is fitted. As the driver, you are responsible for making sure passengers under 14 are properly restrained. A seatbelt should lie across the pelvis (not the stomach) and across the middle of the shoulder (not the neck). Adjust the head restraint so its top is at least level with your eyes or the top of your ears.

Child seats and airbags

• Children must use a child restraint suitable for their height and weight (baby seat, child seat, booster) until they are big enough for an adult belt.
• Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front passenger seat with an active airbag. If you must use the front seat, the airbag must be switched off.
• Children are safest in the rear seats. Use child locks on rear doors.

Mobile phones

Using a hand-held phone while driving is forbidden — calling, texting, checking maps or social media. It brings fines and penalty points. Even hands-free calls distract you; the safest choice is to set your route before you leave and let calls go to voicemail. If you must use the phone, stop somewhere safe and legal, and switch off the engine.

Breakdowns

1. Signal and move as far left as possible, ideally off the carriageway. Avoid stopping on a bend, crest, or in a tunnel.
2. Switch on your hazard warning lights. At night or in poor visibility keep your sidelights on.
3. Put on a reflective (hi-vis) vest before you get out, and get out on the side away from traffic.
4. Place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the vehicle on the same side of the road (further back on fast roads or before a bend).
5. Get passengers out on the pavement side and keep them away from the traffic.
6. Call your breakdown service or insurer. In danger, call 112.

If you are involved in a collision

1. Stop. It is an offence not to stop after an accident in which you are involved.
2. Switch on hazard lights, switch off the engine, and make the scene safe (triangle, hi-vis).
3. Check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, or the road is blocked, call 112.
4. Exchange details with the other driver(s): names, addresses, ID, licence, vehicle registrations, insurance company and policy numbers.
5. Fill in the European Accident Statement (constat amiable) together if possible. Each driver signs and keeps a copy. Do not admit liability verbally.
6. Take photos of the vehicles, their positions, damage and the road. Note witnesses' names and phone numbers.
7. In Malta, minor damage-only accidents are often handled through Local Enforcement / insurance surveyors; if there is any disagreement, injury, or a suspected offence (e.g. alcohol), the police must be called.
8. Inform your insurer as soon as possible.

Basic first aid

• Danger — protect yourself first; switch off engines, no smoking.
• Response — talk to the casualty; are they conscious?
• Airway and breathing — check they are breathing. If not, and you are trained, start CPR; the 112 operator can guide you.
• Bleeding — press firmly on the wound with a clean cloth.
• Do not move injured people unless they are in immediate danger (fire, traffic). Do not remove a motorcyclist's helmet unless it is essential to keep them breathing.
• Keep casualties warm and reassured; give them nothing to eat or drink.

Eco-driving

• Plan ahead and anticipate: smooth acceleration and early, gentle braking.
• Change up gears early (around 2,000–2,500 rpm); use engine braking.
• Switch off the engine if you will be stopped for a long time (but not in moving traffic).
• Keep tyres at the correct pressure, remove unused roof racks and extra weight.
• Use air conditioning sensibly; combine short trips, or walk or take the bus.