Windhoek
A campaign with the aim of making women aware of road safety, organized by the Automobile Association of Namibia (AAN), was launched on Saturday under the theme ‘Women in Road Safety Campaign.’
AAN marketing and communication officer Diana Mwikisa said the idea to get women involved in the campaign is to tie the gap, because most road safety campaigns focus on men and children only.
“In most cases, women are the ones driving children around to and from school, sport activities, or even doing the shopping, hence the need to get women more involved,” she said.
The aim of the campaign is to equip women with the necessary tools for road safety. It serves as an educational platform for women to handle vehicle problems when they arise, and for them to become a good influence on their husbands, friends, brothers or children in the interest of road safety.
The event was held in the open space at the intersection of Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue and Auas Road in Windhoek.
Khomas Regional Governor Laura McLeod-Katjirua said in a message delivered on her behalf that death on the roads is not the price people should pay for easy mobility.
“The loss is a costly burden, as in many cases it is the breadwinner or the entire family that perishes in a motor vehicle accident; it is a loss of income to the household and a high cost to the state, public companies and health services,” she noted.
Road safety is a complex issue, McLeod-Katjirua said, “and this can only be mitigated once everyone joins hands in making roads safer”.
The day was held in partnership with the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund and National Road Safety Council.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has ranked Namibia first in the world in terms of the number of road deaths per 100 000 residents. Even though Africa accounts for just 2 percent of registered vehicles, the continent is responsible for about 16 percent of annual global road deaths. Africa makes up 12 percent of the world’s population.
The governor also called on everyone in Namibia to drive safely during the coming public holidays in May, adding that Workers’ Day, Cassinga Day and Ascension Day are better enjoyed at home than in hospital.