Sergeant Kavekotoka Humavindu 

The Windhoek City Police Service has noted a growing trend of motorists driving into oncoming traffic, which has become a serious road safety concern. This practice involves motorists driving on the wrong side of the road, while facing vehicles approaching from the opposite direction. This poses a significant danger to all road users.

In many cases, drivers often, out of impatience or frustration caused by traffic congestion, choose to drive against the flow of traffic in an attempt to bypass queues or reach their destinations faster. However, this reckless behavior places not only the offending driver at risk but it also endangers other motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

This behavior is no longer isolated and these violations are increasingly being observed across the city; from quiet residential streets to busy and major arterial routes. A behavior that was once widely regarded as unacceptable is gradually becoming normalised, creating dangerous conditions on Windhoek’s roads.

Motorists are reminded that driving against oncoming traffic can never be justified. The risks associated with this conduct are severe and may lead to collisions resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Every driver has a responsibility to drive with patience, caution, and respect for other road users while adhering to the basic rules of the road.

To curb this behavior, the Windhoek City Police Service will intensify monitoring efforts through its Smart Traffic Law Enforcement Strategy. This strategy is utilizing CCTV camera systems to actively monitor roads across the city, allowing operators to monitor and detect violations in real time across the city. Operators review live footage in real time and may summon offenders to view the recorded evidence before fines are issued. In addition to technological monitoring, law enforcement officers (the boots on the ground) will continue to implement proactive enforcement operations to identify offenders and issue summonses where violations occur. This approach enables authorities to hold reckless drivers accountable even when officers are not physically present at the scene.

Motorists should also be aware that driving into oncoming traffic has serious legal consequences. The Road Traffic and Transport Act, Act 22 of 1999, provides clear penalties for such conduct. Failing to keep to the left-hand side of the road may result in a fine of N$2 000, while those who endanger oncoming traffic may be fined N$2 500. In more serious cases, the offence may escalate to a charge of reckless or negligent driving, which may result in immediate arrest due to the heightened risk posed to public safety.

While law enforcement, smart technology and legislation play an important role in road safety, the shared responsibility and lasting change still depends on motorists and the general public. True safety begins with individual accountability behind the wheel, each driver’s sense of responsibility and their commitment to lawful and considerate driving behavior on our roads. Motorists are encouraged and urged to plan their journeys in advance, depart earlier where possible and make use of alternative routes to avoid congestion.

The Windhoek City Police Service remains committed to reducing traffic-related crashes, injuries and fatalities through its comprehensive strategy built on the pillars of Engineering, Education, Enforcement and Evaluation. These pillars aim to promote the safe and efficient movement of traffic within the city while ensuring safer roads for everyone.

Motorists are therefore urged to prioritize collective safety over personal convenience so that every journey within the city of Windhoek remains a safe one. As a law enforcement agency, the Windhoek City Police Service will continue to apply these strategic pillars, with enforcement remaining a key component, and repeat offenders will be dealt with accordingly.

For emergencies relating to traffic and crime matters, contact the Windhoek City Police Service on 061 302 302 or 061 290 2239.

*Sergeant Kavekotoka Humavindu represents the Public Relations and Community Policing Section at the Windhoek City Police Service.