Community Policing Officer
The trend of drivers fleeing the scene after being involved in accidents in Windhoek is a growing concern.
Windhoek has seen an increased number of road traffic crashes during the last month, most of which have contributed to the loss of life, injury and damage to both public and private property.
Vulnerable road users bear the brunt of most of the injuries sustained as a result of these crashes.
However, drivers involved in crashes are failing to adhere to their duties in the event of an accident.
The Road Traffic and Transport Act (Act 22 of 1999) clarifies the duties of drivers in the event of an accident.
Section 78 of the Act stipulates that a driver, whose vehicle is involved in an accident on a public road that contributes to loss of life, injury and damage to property or animal should immediately stop the vehicle, ascertain the nature and extent of any injury sustained by any person and assist those injured if it is possible to do so.
A driver needs also to ascertain the nature and extent of any damage sustained, and provide the name, address and particulars of the vehicle driven by him or her if required to do so by anyone who has reasonable grounds for requiring that information.
Should a driver be unable to provide their details at the accident scene due to injuries sustained in the accident, they may report the accident within 24 hours after its occurrence and provide the relevant information required.
However, the 24-hour period the Act provides should not be used as an opened door for drivers to flee accident scenes.
In many cases, drivers may flee the scene because of the fear of arrest, as there may be alcohol involved.
However, it is important to remind those particular drivers that they may face conviction for contravening section 78 (1) if it is proven in a court of law that the driver failed to either stop the vehicle, ascertain the nature and extent of injuries sustained, render assistance or fled the scene after the accident.
In case of death or injury, not adhering to your duties as a driver may lead to a fine not exceeding N$12 000 or a maximum prison term not exceeding three years or both.
In case of damage to property or animals, a driver may face a maximum fine of N$4 000 or a prison term of not more than one year, or both if found guilty of failing to stop or failing to ascertain the nature and extent of the injuries sustained.
The same punishment applies if one is found guilty of leaving the scene for any reasons other than an injury that rendered you incapable of being at the scene, or failing to report the accident within 24 hours.
As road users, we are all responsible for safety on our roads – and should you witness anything that is out of the ordinary at an accident scene, it is part of your duty as much as it is that of law enforcement to ensure it does not go unchecked.
To report an accident, the City Police Service can be reached on 061302302/2902239 or SMS to 4444.