Isai Sipunga
The Namibian Police (Nampol) recently disclosed concerning statistics regarding road accidents in the country, revealing a 5% increase in crashes during the 2023/2024 festive period, compared to the previous year.
However, on a somewhat positive note, fatalities decreased by 14%, indicating a potential improvement in emergency responses and medical care.
“While this may be a positive development, the overall road safety scenario remains a concern as crashes have increased by 5%, and injuries by 2%, during the period under review,” the police report stated.
The data provided by Nampol for the 2023/2024 period recorded more than 400 road accidents, resulting in 724 injuries and 57 deaths.
In contrast, the 2022/2023 period had slightly fewer accidents amounting to 380 crashes, but with 711 injuries and 66 fatalities.
Police identified the primary cause of these accidents as the behaviour of drivers, with unsafe overtaking and inadequate following distances between vehicles being cited as the main contributors to the surge in accidents.
The police statement stressed the need for increased awareness and adherence to road safety regulations.
“The primary concern lies in the attitude and behaviour of drivers, with instances of unsafe overtaking and inadequate following distances (between vehicles) being prevalent. We urge all road users to prioritise safety and adhere to traffic rules and regulations,” the police statement
read.
To address this issue, Nampol outlined general road safety tips, urging drivers to obey speed limits, adjust speed according to road and weather conditions, and wear seatbelts properly all the time. The statement also emphasised the dangers of distractions, and of drinking and driving.
Additionally, police advised vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists, to enhance their visibility, especially at night, by wearing bright clothing and crossing roads only at designated and safe locations.
Nampol further expressed concern over the loss of lives, emphasising that every life lost on the road is one too many. The commitment to enhancing road safety is highlighted, with the police vowing to continue rigorous law-enforcement and community awareness initiatives.
The public was urged to play an active role in making roads safer for everyone, and citizens to be vigilant, follow road regulations, and report any unsafe behaviour.
As Namibia grapples with the challenge of balancing increased road traffic with safety, Nampol remains resolute in its mission to create safer roads through a combination of strict enforcement and comprehensive public awareness programmes. – isipunga@nepc.com.na