Martin Endjala
On average, 436 deaths have been recorded each year on Namibian roads over the past three years
This is according to Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, John Haufiku, who made the revelation on 13 December during a road safety campaign sponsorship acknowledgement event in Windhoek.
The campaign, launched last month in the Oshikoto region, is a collaborative effort between the National Road Safety Council, Roads Authority, the Namibian Police, and the Road Fund Administration.
From 1 January to 7 December, 2 925 crashes have been recorded, resulting in 5 297 injuries and 385 fatalities.
Research shows that human behaviour is responsible for 70% of road crashes, including driving under the influence, using mobile phones while driving or crossing the road, and failing to wear seatbelts.
“Based on this, it is clear that if we, as road users, change our behaviour, we can reduce crashes by 70%. In response to Pillar 5 of the Decade of Action for Road Safety, the Fund will ensure increased emergency response capacity along the B1 and B2 roads,” Haufiku said.
He also revealed that the Khomas region recorded the highest number of crashes, accounting for 36% (1062) of the total, followed by Erongo at 12% (359), Oshana at 10% (287), Otjozondjupa at 8% (237), Oshikoto at 6% (189), and Kavango East at 5% (150).
These same regions recorded the highest number of injuries, with Khomas leading at 31% (1,616).
“The majority of drivers involved in crashes this year fall within the age range of 30–34 years, followed by those aged 35–39 years,” Haufiku said, adding that the loss of young people in their prime and productive years remains a significant concern.
He also noted that pedestrian-related crashes accounted for the highest number of incidents, followed by collisions, at 33% and 29%, respectively.
The Ohlthaver & List Group’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Roux-Che Locke, said their organisation aims to ensure that the festive season is marked by celebration rather than tragedy.
“As O&L, we are committed to creating lasting change in people’s lives,” she said.
In response to the crisis, the Fund has begun rolling out its Green Dot Programme, which addresses public transport passenger safety in the six high-crash regions. It will also conduct road user education and awareness campaigns focusing on pedestrian safety, speeding, fatigue, driving under the influence, and unroadworthy vehicles.
Additionally, the Fund is engaging various role players to highlight the emotional and economic devastation caused by road crashes and to address these challenges collectively.
So far, over N$2 million has been pledged by stakeholders to support the campaign, with more contributions expected in the coming days to enhance safety during the festive season.