By Mark DaCosta- On Thursday morning, a devastating mechanical failure on the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara River Bridge (BJDRB) resulted in a multi-vehicle accident, claiming the life of 24-year-old Scott Jacob Dorwart and leaving another individual seriously injured. The incident occurred around 9:45 AM, highlighting pressing concerns about road safety in our nation.
Various accounts indicate that the accident was instigated when a heavy-duty lorry, GAC 296, driven by a young man from Anna Catherina, suffered significant mechanical issues. Investigations note that as the lorry ascended the bridge, it lost power and, unable to halt, began rolling backwards down the incline. A series of collisions ensued, involving five other vehicles, the tragic outcome underscoring the urgent need for reform in our road safety protocols.
Authorities confirmed that the lorry driver, a mere 23 years old, may not have been properly licensed to operate such a vehicle. This raises worrisome questions regarding the transparency and efficacy of the licensing process in our country. The police are scrutinising whether the driver acquired his lorry licence through legitimate means, as it appears he might not have fulfilled the necessary experience criteria that ensures roadworthiness and safety. “When I was climbing going up the hill the gearbox cut on me,” the lorry driver lamented, acknowledging the catastrophic failure of the vehicle’s mechanisms that led to the tragedy. The grim reality is that the crash was the first traffic fatality since the BJDRB opened its doors to traffic in October last year.
Scott Dorwart, who was behind the wheel of one of the affected vehicles, died instantly upon impact. His companion in the vehicle was rushed to the Georgetown Public Hospital, battling serious injuries amidst the chaos. Witnesses described the scene as harrowing, with one individual recalling how “a truck speeding come back” struck vehicles, highlighting the gravity of the situation as others scrambled to avoid the impending disaster. The local community is now mourning the loss of a young life, with emotional appeals for justice resonating from his grieving father: “My baby boy gone. Why them take away my baby?”
The implications of such tragedies extend far beyond individual losses; they resonate throughout our society, igniting a debate over the adequacy of traffic regulations and the enforcement of safety standards. In 2023, our nation reported one of the deadliest years in recent history, with road fatalities surging to an alarming 175–178. The alarming spike was attributed to reckless driving behaviours, with speeding being identified as a significant contributor to road carnage.
Our observations indicate that the Guyana Police Force consistently attributes around 70 to 73 percent of fatal accidents to excessive speed, followed by driving under the influence and inattentiveness. This data paints a troubling picture of road safety in our nation, which the authorities must urgently address. Despite a marginal reduction in fatalities in 2024, thanks in part to increased enforcement measures, the road remains perilous for many.
Enforcement actions in 2024 have been more pronounced, with nearly 60,000 traffic tickets issued and a notable $393 million in fines collected. Yet, this raises questions: Are these measures enough to combat the culture of recklessness that seems prevalent? The tragic accident on the BJDRB begs for a thorough reevaluation of road safety initiatives and licensing protocols.
Furthermore, the aftermath of the accident brings into sharp focus the accountability of vehicle operators and owners. The police have confirmed that the driver of the lorry registered a breathalyzer reading of only .003 micrograms, well below the legal limit, suggesting that alcohol consumption was not a factor in the accident. However, the revelations surrounding the driver’s lack of proper licensing and the truck’s mechanical failure point towards systemic issues that must be rectified.
In conversations with emergency responders who attended the scene, it becomes clear that the challenges they face are not merely logistical — the emotional toll of such incidents weighs heavily on their shoulders. The deployment of both the Guyana Fire Service and emergency medical personnel emphasises the severity of the accidents and the necessity for comprehensive strategies to prevent future occurrences.
Public Works officials have dispelled rumours suggesting that the vehicle involved was overweight, attributing the incident strictly to a mechanical malfunction. As we navigate the aftermath of this tragedy, it appears that there is a continued deflection of accountability, particularly amongst the authorities responsible for maintaining the safety and standards of our roads.
As our nation grapples with rising road fatalities and incidents, the accident on the BJDRB should serve as a crucial wake-up call. We must advocate for legislative changes and enhanced enforcement to safeguard our communities from such preventable tragedies. This latest incident encapsulates a larger narrative about the need for thorough reforms in our transportation policies to protect lives and ensure that our roads are safe for all users.
It is imperative that we demand greater accountability from our leaders, who must not shy away from confronting these complex issues head-on. We owe it to the victims and their families to enact substantial change, ensuring that no more lives are lost to preventable accidents on the roads.
