Niël Terblanché
The Namibian Police expressed deep concern over the escalating number of pedestrian fatalities and injuries resulting from vehicle accidents.
Statistics shared by the police on Thursday revealed that 92 pedestrians have lost their lives between January and September 2024.
Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the head of the police’s public relations division, said the rise in these tragic incidents, particularly those leading to culpable homicide charges, is posing a severe threat to road safety.
She indicated that the Oshana region reported the highest number of fatalities, followed by the Ohangwena and Kavango East regions.
The Khomas region saw a particularly high rate of pedestrian injuries, with a recorded 313 incidents during this period.
Shikwambi reiterated the importance of road safety measures in light of these concerning numbers, urging both motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution.
She pointed to speed reduction in accident prevention, especially in high-pedestrian areas where reaction times for drivers are limited.
“We call on all road users to commit to full attention on the road, whether they are behind the wheel or on foot. Reducing speed and maintaining vigilance can save lives,” she said.
Her call for caution extended to routine vehicle maintenance, with emphasis on the importance of functioning brakes and headlights for enhanced visibility, especially on highways.
“Pedestrians need to take proactive steps to protect themselves, especially during darkness when visibility decreases,” she said.
According to Shikwambi, wearing brightly coloured or reflective clothing and crossing at designated pedestrian zones are highly recommended.
She acknowledged that despite efforts to promote pedestrian safety, certain regions lack adequate crossing signals and street lighting, posing additional risk to pedestrians who navigate wide streets without clear indications for safe crossing.
“Distracted driving, particularly due to mobile phone use, is also a prevalent factor contributing to these accidents,” she said.
Shikwambi warned of the irreversible harm that can result from just a momentary lapse in attention, a caution directed especially at drivers using mobile devices while navigating busy pedestrian zones.
“We are appealing to drivers to prioritise safety over convenience, resisting distractions that could cost lives,” she said and added that alcohol use is often linked to reckless driving.
Shikwambi explained that alcohol impairs drivers’ judgement, reaction times, and overall awareness, factors that can prove fatal in situations requiring quick decisions.
“We urge drivers to avoid alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Offenders caught driving under the influence will face serious legal consequences,” she warned.
She added that the police will increase its visibility in key regions and plans to conduct road safety campaigns to raise awareness among both drivers and pedestrians.
“These efforts aim to create a culture of responsible road use and respect for all road users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and animals. Road safety is a shared responsibility,” she said.
Shikwambi stressed the importance of road safety awareness and reminded people that roads are a shared space and that every user has a duty to contribute to making them safer.