Trucks take on lead role as killers on Panama roads
As Panama’s diablos rojos, with their long record of pollution and killing disappear from the streets, their grim statistical record has been taken over by trucks.
Statistics from National Police (NP) Directorate of Traffic Operations of the National Police show that in 2010, trucks involved in accidents caused at least 53 deaths, while buses accounted for “only” 35.
In 2009 the ratio was: trucks 90 deaths, buses 51.
And trucks are a major contributor to the deterioration of roads in the country.
David Ramirez, president of the October 23 Movement, set up after 18 people were burned to death in a bus accident, said that the escalating role of trucks in road slaughter has been one of the consequences of the urban housing boom as trucks have become a growing presence on major roads, without rigorous oversight.
"They are the new hell of the roads," Ramirez said on Saturday, at a ceremony commemorating the second anniversary of an accident in Pacora, where 24 people were killed when a truck collided with a bus and and an SUV on the Las Garzas – December 24 route, in August 2009.
The Transit Authority (ATTT) and the Ministry of Public Works recognize that changes need to be to a1989 law which regulates the transportation of cargo.
Carlos Ayuso, director of Road Safety "The trucks do not meet safety standards net,they cary excess weight and have bald tiresbut there is already a draft for amending the law, "he said.
In 2009, 20,984 tickets were issued to drivers of trucks, chiefly for offenses related to the lack of security, no canvas, bald tires and overweight. In 2010, the figure dropped slightly, to 17,615 tickets
In 2011 an average of two tickets an hour, were issued to truck drivers says La Prensa.
Carlos Ayuso, director of Road Safety ATTT, said most of the faults found in the trucks are overweight, lack of safety tarpaulins and bald tires. "Although the trucks are vehicles that cause more deaths, they are also the cause of more serious accidents. If you collide with a truck it’s like colliding with seven sedans.".
According to Ayuso, the law sets 20 meters as the maximum length for trucks, but many have moved up to 25 meters. There is discussion under way as to when and where these vehicles can move. For example, using the Centennial bridge as the only way to the capital for the trucks. There, the vehicles have a parking area for arriving and departing at certain times to the center of the city, especially in the evening after 7:00 or 8:00 p.m.
Minister of Public Works (MOP) Federico Suarez said the ATTT and his Ministry have spent eight months making inquiries to modify the 1989 law.
He says it is necessary to make changes, because while the MOP invests millions of dollars in street repairs, trucks cause deterioration because there is no control over their movement through the streets.
