Community Policing Officer
Given the high number of vehicles in Windhoek, the capital, one is more likely to encounter groups of motorists engaging in questionable behaviour. This, in one way or another, has contributed to the city experiencing a high number of accidents. Windhoek’s crash statistics are a cause for concern, and this is, for the most part, attributed to the attitude of road users, particularly motorists.
In 2024 alone, the city recorded over 3 700 crashes with 1024 injuries and 26 deaths. This goes to show that, as drivers, we are failing to do the little things that are within our control correctly.
Fast forward to 2025, and the city has already recorded over 1 400 crashes with 409 injuries, a statistic that continues to rise, with crashes reported daily. This is compounded by the fact that 20 lives have already been lost, which is just six fewer than were recorded throughout the whole of 2025. One cannot help but circle back to the initial thought: when driving around the city, you are more likely to encounter questionable behaviour from motorists.
Violations such as ignoring stop signs, driving through red traffic signals, using mobile phones while driving, speeding, driving while under the influence of alcohol, overloading, and failing to observe safe following distances are among the most common and concerning behaviours. This highlights the urgent need for motorists to reassess their attitudes to help reduce, rather than contribute to, the number of accidents.
Driving in smaller towns shows us that safer habits are possible. In many of these places, motorists practise good road behaviour instinctively, without needing to be reminded.
As a driver, you should ask yourself the following questions, among many others:
• When was the last time you stopped at a pedestrian crossing to allow someone to cross the road, even when the traffic signal was green and giving you the right of way?
When was the last time you stuck to the 60 km/h speed limit on Hosea Kutako Drive?
• When was the last time you stopped at an intersection when the traffic light turned amber?
• When was the last time you called a friend to pick you up because you were under the influence and could not drive?
• When was the last time you came to a complete stop at a four-way stop?
• When was the last time you pulled over to the side of the road to answer your phone or respond to a text message?
. When was the last time you did the little things that are within your control without being told by a law enforcement officer to do so?
These are not rhetorical questions; they require practical reflection. This is a call for all motorists to adopt a safety-first attitude. We, as drivers, have the power to shape this narrative, and we must take responsibility for it. Let us do the little things right and enjoy good results insofar as road safety is concerned.
Road safety is not solely the concern of law enforcement agencies; it is everyone’s concern.
For additional clarification on this or any other police-related information, please do not hesitate to contact the Windhoek City Police at the toll-free number 061-302302 or 061 290 2239, or send us an SMS on 4444.