Community Policing Officer
Using a safety belt is mandatory to road users, especially to those who use vehicles as a form of transport. Every roadworthy vehicle is affixed or equipped with working safety belts on both front and rear seats. It remains crucial for drivers to insist their passengers wear their safety belts. Failure to wear seatbelts may result in serious injuries or loss of life for all occupants of a vehicle. This can occur through collisions or other accidents such as loss of control of the vehicle.
The safety belt is one of the most effective features in a vehicle that can be used to save your life in a crash and can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury. Safety belts also keep drivers and passengers from being thrown out of the vehicle through the windows, windscreen and doors when accidents occur. This means it is important to wear your seatbelt as this reduces the chances of being thrown out of the vehicle and killed in a crash.
It has been observed that people who usually drive short distances often do not see the need of wearing a seatbelt, which is dangerous for their wellbeing. Often when drivers get stopped by traffic officers, drivers always give excuses that “I am just stopping here nearby” or “I just got into the vehicle”.
However, the law is clear when it comes to the use of seatbelts. All occupants of a vehicle must buckle up the moment they take a seat in the vehicle, regardless of the distance to be travelled. This applies to both private and public transport at all times.
Seatbelt regulations:
Occupying a seat without wearing a seatbelt is NOT allowed for both the driver and passengers.
The driver of a motor vehicle must ensure every child seated on a seat of that motor vehicle uses an appropriate child restraint, if available in that motor vehicle; or wears a seatbelt.
Seatbelts, should be fitted in every vehicle operating on the public road and should be worn accordingly, to avoid serious injuries and fatalities.
Operating a motor vehicle fitted with the seatbelts that are not in
good working order will result in a fine of N$500.
Failing to ensure every child being conveyed in a motor vehicle wears a seatbelt will result in a fine of N$500.
Occupying a seat in a motor vehicle operated on a public road and failing to wear a safety belt if fitted is punishable with a fine of N$1000. Operating a motor vehicle fitted with the seatbelts that are not in good working order can be suspended and referred to Natis Valley for vehicle examination.
Drivers failing to adhere to these rules and regulations are eligible to fines as per the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999.
The Windhoek Municipal Police Service (WMPS) can be contacted toll-free at: 061-302 302 or SMS line 4444.