Drive it till the wheels fall off
by Henry Smith

All my life I've heard the expression “drive it till the wheels fall off”, but before moving to Panama I never actually saw it happen. Here, a wheel, or even a complete axle assembly falling off is not a rare occurrence. It's most often a worn out US school bus pressed into service as public transport, and called locally “diablo rojo” or “red devil.”

The construction frenzy has added new dangers for Panama drivers. The huge concrete trucks bullying through traffic to deliver their load before it sets and swarms of rickety dump trucks hauling canal excavation earth to convert swampy marshes into upscale developments and shopping centers, are more than just a major annoyance. They are a threat to life and limb of anyone who has to share the streets with them. Many of these vehicles were well-used and in some cases worn out before being brought to Panama to labor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Since arriving, few of them have been properly maintained. Tires get replaced when they blow out and repairs are made when the truck can no longer function.

I witnessed the result of 'all work, all the time' truck usage February 16 on Corredor Sur about a mile from the Eastern end toll booths. One of the overworked, under-maintained dump trucks was traveling toward the city with a full load, when the front axle gave way. From the skid marks, the truck seems to have been traveling in the right lane when the steering quit working, then veered to the left into the deep ditch between the east and west lanes. It came to rest, minus the entire front axle assembly and wheels, with about five feet of its front end in the eastbound lanes.

I was unable to stop to ask questions, but it appeared no one was injured and the truck was the only vehicle involved. Be careful out there, folks. It's not just diablo rojos anymore.