“How much is human life worth?“, was one of the phrases raised during the program Direct Impactfrom Guatevisión, when analyzing the accident that occurred on the night of Friday, July 3 at kilometer 115 of the route to the Atlanticin Usumatlán, Zacapa, where the teenager who was driving a trailer loaded with blocks and the pilot of a private vehicle.
The case became relevant because the driver of the heavy transport had 16 yearsage lower than that required to drive a unit of this type. According to the known information, the trailer would have made a passing maneuver without verifying that the road was clear, invaded the opposite lane and collided head-on with a car. Then the head hit a ceiba tree.
During the program it was highlighted that the incident exposes possible failures in the controls over the heavy transportthe hiring of pilots and the supervision of units that circulate on the country’s roads.
Investigation points to the company that owns it
The authorities are seeking to establish how the teenager came to drive the truck, who authorized him to operate it, and whether there were administrative or legal responsibilities of the company that owns the unit.
The General Directorate of Transport (DGT) reported that it will begin an administrative process sanction against the company, after the technical inspection established that the head did not have third party damage insurance policy nor with speed limiter systemmandatory requirements for this type of transport.
In the program it was noted that the case reflects “a clear example of irresponsibility” and also “impunity”, considering that subsequent sanctions do not prevent the loss of life.
Experts point out lack of prevention and controls
Analysts indicated that the problem is not limited to the sanction against the company, but to the lack of prior controls to prevent people without age, license or training from driving heavy vehicles.
“What’s the point of fining the company or the owner if we really lose lives?”, it was said during the analysis, emphasizing that the measures must be preventive and not just reactive.
It was also stated that there is a “total absence of supervisors” and that the authorities should have mechanisms to verify which units do not comply with the speed limiter, the insurance and the required mechanical conditions.
Community says goodbye to the teenager
The teenager was buried last Sunday with the accompaniment of family, friends, teachers and classmates. The educational center he attended mourned his death on social networks and expressed condolences to the family.
Felipe Antonio Ayala Rodas, 38, who was driving the private car, also died in the accident. According to neighbors, he was returning to his home after a day of work.
While the investigations continue, the case revives the discussion about the road safetythe supervision of cargo transportation and the need to verify the suitability of those who drive heavy units on Guatemalan roads.
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