Community Policing Officer
The Windhoek City Police has noted with great concern that many road users have forgotten or simply ignore the basic rules of the road.
Complying with basic road rules keeps us alive, while not adhering to them can be deadly.
The basic rules of the road guide the behaviour or actions of road users to avoid accidents and promote the free flow of traffic.
Road users include pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and passengers.
According to Windhoek City Police statistics, the capital city has seen an increase in road crashes during the past few months, and a large portion of these crashes can be attributed to one or more drivers not obeying the basic rules of the road.
The importance of road traffic rules is to maintain safety.
There are many obstacles and dangers on the road that can put drivers at risk.
Road traffic rules help to mitigate these risks and reduce the possibility of accidents occurring.
It is important for road users, particularly drivers, to understand the purpose of the rules of the road.
The safety of all road users depends on them following these rules.
When on the road, drivers are expected to:
always keep left and pass right;
maintain a safe following distance;
wear a seatbelt at all times (this includes babies or children – even those in a booster seat;
obey traffic signs and traffic lights;
not exceed the speed limit of 60km/h within the city;
avoid distractions. Keep your eyes on the road and do not use mobile phones or any other electronic device while driving;
maintain lane discipline. Indicate to show intent to change lanes.
Do not drink and drive.
With all the above-mentioned, many drivers in Windhoek are not adhering to these road traffic rules. They need to wake up to the fact that their actions are detrimental to public road safety.
If these basic road rules are followed, accidents and confusion can be avoided, and the roads can remain safe for all users.
We, therefore, urge all road users to be vigilant and obey the road and traffic rules.
To report an accident, the City Police Service can be reached on 061302302/2902239 or SMS to 4444.