What legal measures should be taken due to irresponsible driving?

During the first half of 2021, an average of 6,450 road accidents have been recorded with two fatalities related to road side accidents. While in 2010 a Eurobarometer study found that 99% of people did not know the legal drinking limit for driving, which is currently at 0.8% BAC (8 grams of alcohol in 10,000 grams of blood). These measures are now being more strongly enforced due to well known nightlife areas can pose highest risk to those around anyone who would attempt to drive under the influence of alcohol. Measures such as road-block check points near high risk areas as well as patrolling officers in the evenings are all in attempt to safeguard the public from individuals who would risk such actions.

While we have reached a very low tolerance for driving whilst drinking, a previous case arose earlier this year with a verdict pending for over 10 years. This case included a presumably intoxicated driver driving with a passenger after a night out towards Bugibba, who then struck a head-on collision with the cyclist Clifford Micallef in a hit and run accident. 

This case took around 13 years to resolve, with the verdict producing a 3 year jail sentence and a one-year driving ban. However well that justice has been concluded after 13 years, this also leaves the guilty with 13 years of afterthought proceeding the accident, which begs the question as to why these cases take this long to resolve. For the idea of protecting the public's interest as well as the rehabilitation process to allow the offender to be released back into society after the stipulated time is served. However, this punishment in response to the crime has objectively taken 13 + 3 years to resolve, which can lead to question why no public service was requested from the convicted? 

When considering the state of the convicted individual, should more reform be taken to address the fact that the driver was not in a state to drive given he spent a sleepless night out with alcohol involved throughout the night prior, leading to the misjudgment of driving capabilities and the reflexes time. Hence would more reformative measures help prevent reoffending as opposed to providing such a verdict a decade later?

Current legislation on individuals found of drunk driving above the maximum limit may have their license suspended for up to 12 months, while receiving a fine between €1,200 to €2329, alongside 11 license points deducted, with repeat offenders facing prison between three to six months as per Chapter 65. Traffic Regulation Ordinance.

The effect of this law can surely reform many to reconsider drink driving with these hefty penalties, however such measures are necessary when lives are at risk, which leaves to question whether some form of reformative construction is required of such law breakers?

Let us know in the comments below!