Martin Endjala
The Namibian Police recorded 344 fatalities as a result of motor vehicle accidents on Namibian roads between 1 January and 3 November.
The Inspector General of the Namibian Police, Lieutenant General Joseph Shikongo, described these statistics as a major concern.
He was speaking at the start of the 2024 Festive Season Road Safety Campaign in Tsumeb on Friday.
“This indicates that road users are still not complying with the road safety regulations,” he said.
Shikongo called for greater compliance with road safety regulations to curb the alarming number of fatalities.
“All road users are compelled to adhere to the provisions of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act as Amended, Act 22 of 1999, at all times, not only when they see a traffic checkpoint or traffic patrol vehicles on the highway but as a standard throughout their lifetime,” he said.
The campaign, themed “#Do The Right Thing and Save Lives#,” will run from 15 November to 19 January 2025.
Shikongo revealed that the 2023/2024 festive season campaign recorded 447 crashes, 837 injuries, and 59 fatalities.
He warned that distractions, such as mobile phone use while driving and speeding, remain significant contributors to crashes while urging pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers to prioritize safety.
Veikko Nekundi, the deputy minister of works and transport, expressed concerns about road crashes overshadowing the festive season, noting that they disproportionately affect young people aged 16 to 35.
“This event marks the beginning of the festive season, and traditionally, a significant number of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists are anticipated to traverse the country’s road to various destinations within and beyond the country’s borders,” he said.
He emphasised that measures should be implemented to counteract and mitigate the effects of any potential negative externality that may arise.
“This responsibility should be executed through visible public education initiatives and law enforcement efforts across the nation,” he stated.
National Road Safety Council (NRSC) chairman Eliphas !Owos-Ôab cautioned that increased traffic volumes on the B1 and B2 roads, coupled with construction zones, present heightened risks.
He advised drivers to be patient and adhere to traffic laws, especially in areas under construction like the Karibib-Usakos section where delays are common.
“We urge and encourage the motoring public to follow the rules of the road through construction zones across the country,” he said.
The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) chief corporate affairs, John Haufiku, highlighted the challenge posed by the festive season, revealing that between 17 November 2023 and 17 January 2024, there were 532 crashes, 978 injuries, and 73 fatalities, with weekends being the deadliest.
Roads Authority CEO, Conrad Lutombi noted that Namibia remains one of the countries with the highest motor vehicle crash rates.
“I want to urge all motorists to join us in our efforts to reduce the number of crashes on our roads. We have also experienced a few incidents of vandalism at our rest places,” said Lutombi.