Hole-riddled Milk River road blamed for traffic death

The family of crash victim Dahomie Ford is blaming deplorable road conditions for Saturday’s fatal collision along the Milk River main thoroughfare in Clarendon.

Reports are that about 1:30 p.m., the 24-year-old was driving a Yeng Yeng motorcycle towards York Town when he collided with a Toyota Probox motor- car travelling in the opposite direction.

Ford was thrown from the motorcycle and sustained several injuries. The driver of the motorcar was also injured.

Both were taken to the hospital where Ford was pronounced dead.

Ford’s uncle, Donovan Drummond, put the blame at the feet of the State.

“If the road did in a better condition, him wouldn’t dead, because them woulda see each other, but you see the potholes? Major! ‘Cause [drivers] a turn from potholes and turn right inna you. If the road did in a better condition, that wouldn’t happen,” Drummond contended.

He also called for overgrown vegetation to be cleared from the roadway.

Referencing the mangled state of his nephew’s motorcycle, Drummond said it was unlikely that Ford could have made it out alive.

According to Drummond, his deceased nephew, an electrician and father of one, was well-loved in their Gimme-Me-Bit community.

Compounding Ford’s relatives’ grief is the fact that the tragedy involves another family with whom they share a good relationship. Drummond said the driver of the motorcar and Ford were also good friends.

“The whole a we a one. It hot! It hot! We have to hold the fort an’ live good again. A she him all throw partner with,” said Drummond.

The incident marks a déjà vu for the family, as Ford had been charged for causing death by dangerous driving four years ago in York Town.

However, Drummond believes his nephew was not culpable of blame in that incident.

Councillor Carlton Bailey, who heads the Milk River division, acknowledged the subpar road conditions. Bailey told The Gleaner that Ford was a “promising young man”.

Similar sentiments were voiced by Lothan Cousins, member of parliament for Clarendon South Western, who expressed sympathy for the family.

Cousins told The Gleaner that work along the roadway had commenced days before the fatal crash.

Up to December 9, a total of 35 civilians were killed in Clarendon, six more than for the corresponding period in 2021.

At least 448 civilians have been killed on the nation’s roads since the start of the year.

Last year’s 487 road deaths was a national record.

olivia.brown@gleanerjm.com