The police have confirmed that two persons were seriously injured in a traffic accident which occurred on the Petite Savanne to Delices road on Wednesday evening.
The two have been identified as Allan Joseph, a police officer, and Nian Sorhaindo.
The police report that the accident occurred when a bus, driven by Karl Simon of Delices, with 15 passengers aboard encountered difficulties on a hill and overturned.
Some of the bus passengers were transported to the Delices Health Center and were treated for minor injuries, however the more seriously injured Joseph and Sorhaindo were taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital where they were admitted.
The bus was extensively damaged in the accident.
Police say that investigations are ongoing.
Readers, don’t you think it is time for the government to decide to bring Dominica’s driving laws up to international standards?
I mean, the politicians travel overseas and know that driving standards, in the UK for instance ,are well documented and every one adheres to the rules.
Where do I begin? For a start, to pass the theory test, it is mandatory that one learns the HIGHWAY CODE inside out. In there you will learn all road markings, and traffic signs as well as other general road usage, such as speed limits, for different types of roads and whether the road is a motor way, single carriage road or passes through an urban dwelling area. The theory test also has a hazard perception component that is a computer based test in which you are simulate driving on various roads and click every time you are aware that a potential hazard appears.
The practical test is no shorter that 40 minutes driving and begins with reading a registration plate from 20 metres away, followed by two or three questions on the general knowledge of a vehicle and the testing of various manoeuvres such as: parking in a parking bay, a turn in the road, or reversing round a corner and the obligatory EMERGENCY STOP.
All learning to drive must be supervised by an ACCREDITED DRIVING INSTRUCTOR who himself has been rigorously trained and tested to the approved standard. It is his duty to ensure that you understand ALL driving matters before he recommends that you sit the test.
Now, I have been reading almost every other week of a terrible accident in Dominica on this online newspaper, and I believe that something must be done to save lives, and it MUST BE DONE NOW.
On the question of speed limits, here in the UK, the speed limit on the motorway is 70 miles-an- hour, in towns and villages it is 30 miles-an-hour. And where advised 20 miles-an -our…that is standard. The use of road signs is also extremely useful. Motorist should be advised of an upcoming bend or double bend well in advance of approaching the hazard. The road will also have marking telling the driver to slow down and stay in his lane.
A certified driver in the UK, is trained to constantly read all road signs above, on the side, and on the road. And will also consider the condition of the road it self, whether it is wet or has potholes or gravel on it that could affect his stopping time.
I have read of accidents in Dominica, where a driver pulling out from a side road is hit by an oncoming vehicle. This could be avoided if both drivers are driving with CARE AND ATTENTION. If the road on which you are joining is a busy one, there will usually be two or more indications that the main road is a busy and one and potential hazard. You will usually see a stop sign, and double white lines crossing the road. Especially if the corner is what you call BLIND CORNER where you cannot see what is travelling in your direction as you approach the corner. Before you pull out, make sure that the road is clear,or make sure that your joining the road will not slow down another driver. And when I say make sure, look, and look again before you pull out. A vehicle travelling at 30 miles-an-hour at a hundred feet away might seem far off, but it will only take him/her a few seconds to be upon you.
Before I conclude, I just want to touch on the wearing of SEAT BELTS AND CRASH HELMETS for motor cyclists. It might not seem obvious to you,but trust me they can be life savers. Use them!!! Make sure that your car is in a road worthy condition, before your drive. All cars over three years old, in the United Kingdom have to undergo a mandatory Ministry of Transportation (MOT) service examination to check basic parts and tyres, window wipers, fan belts, brakes, foot and hand breaks, indicator, break and head lamps and exhaust emissions etc.,and if anything is found to be amiss, you will not be able to renew your road tax. AND YOU MUST HAVE THIRD PARTY VEHICLE INSURANCE.
I know that Dominica has unique challenges when it comes to driving on our crowed and steep, narrow winding roads, but if we begin to re-educate our drivers and teach the young ones motoring skills in aright and proper way, we can begin to see some improvement and enjoy safer road journeys.
And finally, PLEASE DON’T USE ANY MIND-ALTERING SUBSTANCES or drive when tired. The mind works much better when it is rested and it is in its natural state.
are u saying all this to say this bus driver cant drive? we have very difficult roads to maneuver and to make it quiet clear , dominican drivers are some of the best drivers in the caribbean.
however i do see with some of what u are saying.
have a good day.
Hold strong Uncle Joe. you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
To all the rest, I wish you relief and speedy recovery.
God bless.
How sorry I am to hear that a few were badly injured. I do hope in time they will fully recover. May God assist them and heal them.
The road is very dangerous but saves time for the people of Delices. Even if I don’t leave in DA I traveled that road going back and forth for two weeks and I have seen at least one accident when the road first opened. No one knows what really happened but happy to know people did not find themselves in the precipice. To all who use that road exercise caution. I will still drive on that road when I’m in DA.
roads with steep hills like dalices and waner should never be left with any potholes what so ever. these roads should constantly be maintained due to the level of risk there is when driving on them.
Joe I pray you recover nicely and with no lasting or permanent effects. WOW!!!
I hope the men get a speedy recovery. My prayers also goes out to the family. I must admit that the first time that I travelled on this road I was very scared. A very steep and dangerous hill indeed!
I wish the Persons a speedy recovery
The road is fine , but not so good with all those potholes. this road has never been given serious attention for a long time now.
People talking about steep, yes it is but those of you who speak that way have not travelled widely an example of steep would be Saba Island main road from the port onwards.
Therefore what we need is for the powers to service the road.
o lord thanks for guiding them especially my sister who was on that bus and is still alive thank u jesus and to all the other pple i knew thanks for keepin them alive at least no one is dead
Hope everyone is ok.Thanks for that’s the way it happened.No deaths.
Thanks God too it isn,t Skerrit and The Chinese that build that road.
I hope and pray the two seriously injured will get better.I must add Dominican drivers are among the best in the world.To be driving on goat paths like that and have very few incidents is a marvel in itself.i have travelled that road and from heavy equipment operators, engineers Dump truck Drivers u guys are amazing.
THE PICTURE SHOWN THAT IS NOT WHERE THE ACCIDENT OCCURED
15 passengers in bus from Petit S. to Delices? Completly crazy! Max. 10!
The road is not a problem, problem are crazy people.
Dats my broth from another mother ppl always look for the negative things to say until their family is involve prays god it could have been worst one love to all those who were on board and their family
I wish I had some statistics on the number of accidents involving bus drivers
“If u cannot drive stay away from this road”…….. SO WHAT????????……..You Dominicans coming back home from England like to come down and criticize Dominica eh……..why didn’t you become an engineer and come back home to build better roads……accidents happen every where….even on the best roads, and everybody dies……….concentrate on the positive not on the negative…..we should be thankful to GOD that no one is dead…….now is not the time for these crazy comments.
First we need to thank the good Lord that we had no lost of life in this particular accidnt.
We need to look at the various issues that can come into play in an accident. Condition of the road at the time of the accident wet/dry.
Condition of the vehicle; brakes/emergency brake, was it brake failure? was the emergency brake applied? if so; is it functional, tires good thread or bald head tires? I have seen enough of these buses drive by, with the steel belt showing.
if u cannot drive stay away from this road. this road is the entrance to death. I lived in England for yrs came back and cannot believe and engineer could sit and plan a road like this, this is madness.
“If u cannot drive stay away from this road”…….. SO WHAT????????……..You Dominicans coming back home from England like to come down and criticize Dominica eh……..why didn’t you become an engineer and come back home to build better roads……accidents happen every where….even on the best roads, and everybody dies……….concentrate on the positive not on the negative…..we should be thankful to GOD that no one is dead…….now is not the time for these crazy comments.
stupes
@ strength
Are you referring to “those days”? You do know that Dominica is mountainous and this is the only manner they could have built those roads. Building roads cost money. No one ever complained about it. Why should you? Being from Dominica you should know better than that, making such comments.
Accidents happen and will always happen. The other driver encountered problems which caused the other accident. You must first find out the reason the accident occurred prior to making such statements.
nian my prayers are with you i pray for a speedy recovery for you
@ me wi
He must be related to someone whom I know who resides in Ontario. I will telephone the person tomorrow.
Oh my! I hope Nian is alright!
ElUnbelievable! You guys out here are so concern as to who’s to blame for the accident with little thought about the trama these passengers must be feeling or going through. How about we say a little pray for those who were hurt and those who were got out safely. Who’s ever fault it may or not be, please put that aside and be thankful for life, yours and the others. This situation could have been way worst..what you all woul say then? Kill Carl, blame the government? Come on ppl… I’m happy that everyone is ok, nian and Allen I wish u all a speedy recover, Carl keep ur head up. Now we the ppl of delices need to come together as a community and force the government to fix the road, I no for a fact its terrible.
amen, i agree with everything that you have said, and carl don’t allow anyone to break you down okay, i know you as a bus driver for years and accidents happens. i have you and others in my prays, Joseph and Sorhaindo i will pray for you.
fix the potholes!
Horrendous Civil engeering road. Steep Hill , one lane, no guard rail.
Delices is a very nice place and a very nice place to see.There are many hills and mountains steeps as any you could see. When u are up u are up, When u are down, u are down and when u are only halfway up, u are neither up or down. I travelled this road, and was surprised, how it was so badly built. I had the impression that I was on a plane, going up and looking down. Very scary, I was told it would be less, when the trees grow. But it seems as though it’s the same.Sorry for the accident.
@ B-Dawg
I suppose as you travel on it, you have the feeling that your life is in your hands. I suppose that the road could not have been built in another area. Drivers must drive carefully and ensure that their vehicles are road worthy. Consider that vehicles do give way when they are least expected.
london am not in dominica just like u r not there 2, u all don’t know d road i know it very will. i walk on it when it was just cutting. u all never no it could be ur family 2morm.
U ALL THERE TALKING,THATS MY DAUGTHER & MY BROTHER CARL . MY D U ALL HAVE 2 TALK LIKE that MY BROTHER HAS BEEN DRIVING 4 SO MANY YREAS. aaccidents do happen. all we have 2 say is thx god every one is alive.
exactly me point….. you could be the greatest driver and you have to be a victim of an accident you will. i know carl as a bus driver from my primary school days and i am now a big woman, so what has to happen will. Carl just take care sweety…. they others i wish you a very speedy recovery, God is watching over you
blessings too all who was on bus stay stronge jah will protect all of u carl stay fore
I am sorry to hear what happened…and a speedy recovery to all.
That road, garcon. It may save time, but something has to be done…It is as a result of the good driving skills of our drivers that there are not more accidents on that serpentine.
@ Dubque 767
It has been said if you can drive in Dominica, you can drive anywhere. How many accidents occurred on that road? This is the first time I have heard of one in that area. Another road may have to be constructed in another area, a better one, if that is possible.
Aye sum of all u talkin there but allu didn’t c or felt wa happen I was on that bus lastnight n that road needs to be fix potholes in corner of d road two tyns I can say is that dis potholes sud b block n thank God we all r alive cuz d news cud have been worst
oh my God write proper english pls
English English. Not sure why people do not use fullstops.smh
These are the cell phone and online messenger days. This is the way people have began writing even some in professional positions. It has become so embarrassing when someone has a good point to make, but they write so badly that their point isn’t driven home.
COME ON BE REAL AND SPEAK AND TYPE YOUR COMMENTS SO PEOPLE CAN READ AND UNDERSTAND BECAUSE IS NOT ONLY WE IN DOMINICA THAT IS READING THE COMMENTS ITS ON THE INTERNET AND ITS A WORLD WIDE THING.
sorry to say but i never knew the road was operational huh guess i have to take a drive there next time i am in dominica
Oh Oh Karl i am so sorry to hear about that!
My prayers are with you and the seriously injured passengers at this time.
That road looks damn crazy. Like sickening.
aa DNO up to now u cannot update?
thanks DNO. You’re awesome!!!
this morning i posted “aa DNO up to now u cannot update” and you updated. thanks
p.s to all you thumb downers. i say put a sock in it!!!! my previous post was since morning befor the update.sheesh
HOPE EVERYONE IS OK AND NOT SEVERELY INJURED..DRIVERS PLEASE BE CAREFUL ON THE ROAD!!
Pls people, before we rush to comment get the information correct.
Were the potholes the reasons for the accident or the condition of the bus led to the accident?
I think some of our bus drivers need to take more time to ensure that their buses are in good working condition cause at the end of the day, its people’s lives being placed at risk.
DNO we waiting for more info on that news, i really would like to know what happened and if anyone got hurt..please
Holy Mother of … Is the road truly as steep as the picture shows? Just the sight from the photo is terifying. I hope all passengers and the driver are doing well.
It is truly the road….. but it does cut the journey from Delice to Roseau tremendously so many bus drivers uses that route….
it is very steep
It’s very very steep. Bad engineering.
The bus overturned while travelling uphill? Wow!!
I hope no one is badly hurt.
i am sooo sorry for what happened hope every one has a good recovery
That road can be treacherous especially when it have potholes. When I check some of DA roads I say it is the hand of God that keeping us safe on them. Some of them precipice we navigate around on a daily basis and don’t think twice about it – Our driving skills and awareness have be like that of mountain goats.
@ Country Man
I visualize that it could be as bad when it is raining.
The u stupid or wat
hope all is well
Oh how sad.
MAY THE GOOD LORD wATCH OVER THEIR LIVES AND COMFORT THERE FAMILIES. My deepest empathy to the driver.God have mercy on us all in Dominica. Dominica people of God we are in a war where is the standard. everybody to busy doing there own thing. DOMINICA MEN OF GOD, WOMEN OF GOD STAND STAND TAKE A STAND AGAINST THE ENEMY OF OUR LAND AND PEOPLE. to MUCH BLOODSHED ADULATORY SEXUAL IMMORALITY GREED SELFISHNESS AND LACK OF PRAY ETC ETC.LORD HELP US ALL IN THIS LAND.FOR WE AS A NATION HAS SIN AGAINST YOU OH LORD WITH THE EVIL DEEDS AND AND ALL OUR UNFORGIVNESS. FATHER Let all weapons of the enemies of this island Dominica, backfire seven-fold on them, in the name of Jesus. thank you Lord for Victory.
huh?
Those corners on this road are too sharp.
who says the accident was due to a corner? The problem here is the deplorable condition of the road. The road needs immediate attention.
The bus driver slowed down while driving up the Paix Bouche hill in order to drive through some pot holes (that you have no choice but to drive through them) and in the process, the bus cut off and began sliding down hill, where he had no control to stop it.
If the bus stalled while trying to negotiate the potholes and the brakes could not stop it, then there should be an investigation and if the braking system is found to be defective, the bus driver should be charged for not maintaining his vehicle. The braking system is designed to stop the bus from rolling back (out of control).
public drivers need to be more accountable. too much short cuts are taken when it comes to vehicle maintainance. We need to be protected in this country. We need standards now
@ Anonymous
Pot holes would do it. They need to be fixed immediately. I wonder, will the government be sued for that or the Public Works Department which is really the government?
The road don’t move. SO i wont blame the road that much.
hope every body a safe
How can a bus be be taveling uphill from Delices to Petite Savanne. That does not make any sense to me. If you are coming from Delices to Petite Savanne is downhill you are going.
So Silly! Take a journey to the area, then you will not sound so laughable.
ha…don’t you have to go up before you go down?? A mountain separates the two villages!!!
It appears that u have never driven on this road. need to take a drive know your country.
I will forgive you because it seems you have never travelled that way. you have to go up hill, look at the picture. To make it easier for you, once you leave the white river you go up hill for a while before you begin you desent to petit savanne.
the first half of the journey (i.e. from Pointe Mulatre to the top of the mountain) is uphill. Then you start to go downhill
What are you talking about really????
I take it that you have never been to Delices or Petite Savanne. The road passes through a mountain therefore you are going to have to travel uphill whether you are going to Petite Savanne from Delices or from Delices to Petite Savanne. If you don’t know what you’re talking about then maybe you should stop talking.
Btw, people were in an accident and yet you’re concerned about whether they were going uphill or not. That’s not what you should have been worried about.
Obviously you are not from that part of the island or you have never traversed that area. Isn’t there a hill from the entrance of Jungle Bay to Paix Bouch hill? You begin your decent into Petite Savanne after you’ve gotten to the Paix Bouch hill. I suggest you take time off your computer and take a drive to that area…..happy viewing!!
you must not be from Dominica you must go up the mountain befor you go down from either side you approach it
Stop it!!!:lol: Have you ever travel on this road?
There are up hills before driving downhill too Petit Savanne. all you like to say what all you want too much.
n either side u have to go up den down…..dats is if u coming from petit savanne u have to go up hill den down to delice and u do de same from delice to petit savanne
Comprehension – The article did not give the direction in which the bus was traveling. It says “Petite Savanne to Delices road”. And yes, it was traveling from Pte Savanne to Delices at the time of the accident. Since you seem to know the area well, this will tell you that from the Pte Savanne end going towards Delices (before you reach the top) its a steady incline before you begin going down Pte. Mulatre end.
Did you not read the Article? the bus had difficulties going up the hill.
people have *heart* <-(in patois) liking that
my God!
i thought i was the worst idiot in the western world!!!!!
this guy just beat me by 2 points
I pray to God that there are no deaths and I wish all those who are injured a speedy recovery. I know that road is as dangerous as can be
Oh my, another accident. I hope they are not badly injured.