Community Policing Officer
With the festive season fast approaching, many people will be travelling from the city to their respective holiday destinations. One important aspect of road safety that we often overlook is the safety check of our vehicles before we travel.
Motorists often assume that a vehicle is safe and fit to be on the road, for as long as it is moving from point A to B. However, that is not the case. One should do a pre-trip inspection on such a vehicle before taking any trip in order to identify potential hazards and prevent accidents. Vehicle roadworthiness is the most important requirement for the safety of all road
users.
How to ensure your vehicle is fit and roadworthy:
• The vehicle must be fitted with the prescribed lamps, and they must all be in good working condition. Head lamps and indicators should be in good working condition.
• The windscreen must be free of cracks, with wipers performing well to enhance visibility during bad weather.
• Brakes should be effective at all times to avoid collision, sliding on wet road surfaces, and to help the vehicle stop timeously.
• Tyres should be of the correct size according to the vehicle, and the tyres should not be worn out. The tread should be clearly visible, at least 1.6mm in depth over the entire tyre. Tyre pressure should also be checked, and it should be ensured that tyre bolts are properly fastened.
• All windows and doors should be able to open and close.
• Hooter must be in working condition to enable the driver to warn other road users or call attention to danger on the road.
• Seatbelts should be fitted in every vehicle operating on a public road, and should be worn accordingly to avoid serious injuries and fatalities. The driver has a duty to ensure that all seatbelts are in a good working condition.
• The licence disk should be valid, and the vehicle’s particulars must correspond with the vehicle type and model.
Whether you are taking your own transport or public transport, one has to ensure the vehicle is road-fit. All vehicles in Namibia require roadworthy certificates, according to the road transportation and traffic regulation section 58 of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999.
Any driver who fails to adhere to these traffic rules and regulations is liable to a fine and straight arrest as per the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999. Vehicles which are not roadworthy can be suspended and referred to Natis Valley for vehicle re-examination. Section 58 of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act 22 of 1999 also states that operating a motor-vehicle which is not roadworthy is punishable with a fine of N$2 000.
Driving a fit and roadworthy vehicle will help reduce road accidents. Do the right thing and save lives. The Windhoek City Police can be contacted for any crime, by-laws and traffic-related issues on (061)-302 302/290 2239.