WINDHOEK – To date, about 584 people lost their lives on our roads according to the official figures released by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund. At the same time another 5 264 people are left with injuries in about 2 979 road accidents.
These alarming figures prompted both road safety agencies, being the MVA Fund and the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) to rope in assistance from the private sector to help make the December festive season safer and with fewer fatalities.
The NRSC and the MVA Fund’s joint Festive Season Road Safety Campaign kicked off last week Saturday, 22 November and would run until January 15, 2015.
As part of the campaign, roadblocks on the B1, B2 and B6 roads will be activated and law enforcement operations will be intensified. Stringent measures to ensure adherence to traffic regulations will be deployed through close monitoring at road blocks and increased highway patrols.
In addition, resting spots have been erected along the aforementioned roads, to allow drivers to take a break and minimise driver fatigue. The rest points will be manned by emergency response units of the MVA Fund, and the Namibian Defence Force, law enforcement officers, volunteers as well as employees of the MVA Fund and the National Road Safety Council.
The campaign received an overwhelming support from corporate Namibia, as well as other private business entities. Over 40 institutions and individuals pledged their support towards the campaign.
University of Namibia contributed N$50 000, while Namdeb contributed N$40 000, Namibia Wildlife Resorts contributed N$20 000, MMI Holdings contributed N$40 000 and GSix Group contributed N$1 000 to the campaign activities.
A Facebook competition was also launched at the hand-over event, which prizes will be sponsored by the University of Namibia in the form of Defensive Driving Lessons for 10 competition winners while the Namibia Wildlife Resorts sponsored 4 weekend vouchers.
Gsix Group sponsored refreshments for officers who will be manning the Mariental Roadblock during the campaign.
The MVA Fund and the National Road Safety Council therefore reminds road users that their safety is in their own hands and they should therefore refrain from reckless behavior such as drunk driving, speeding and driving when tired. The public is encouraged to save the Accident Response Number 0819862 in their cellphones to access medical treatment in case of a road crash.
Keep to the following road safety tips to ensure safe and smooth traveling at all times:
- Your safety is in your own hands, therefore adhere to traffic regulations at all times.
- Do not take unnecessary risks such as overtaking more than one vehicle at a time
- Seat belts help prevent severe injuries and increase your chance of survival in case of a road crash. Ensure that you and everyone in the car are wearing a seatbelt.
Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before embarking on a trip. Check that all the lights, indicators, windscreen wipers, brakes and tyres are in a good working condition.
- If you are going to drink, do not drive – rather use a designated driver.
- Where possible, do not drive after dark when visibility is compromised.
- Take safety breaks every 2 hours in order to avoid driver fatigue.
- Always be alert about pedestrians alongside the road.
- Be visible – always drive with your lights on, even during the day.
- Speed kills. Adhere to speed limits at all times.
By Felix Tjozongoro