Windhoek
The police have urged motorists to drive cautiously over the independence anniversary long weekend.
Along with the ongoing Operation Omake, which started in Windhoek in November last year and was rolled out to other regions in December by Safety and Security Minister Charles Namoloh, extended interventions by stakeholders such as the National Road Safety Council, Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, Roads Authority, Public Road Safety Forum and the Automobile Association of Namibia are vital to save lives.
There are already planned operations for crime and accident reduction commencing from March 17 to 29 to cover the independence anniversary and Easter holidays.
“On road safety aspects, it is customary that we cooperate with our stakeholders with the aim to minimise accidents or collisions on our roads. In this connection, traffic officials from Nampol, City of Windhoek and road transport will be geared towards high visibility and firm law enforcement, joined by additional members of the police who will be on duty during these crucial periods,” police deputy commissioner Ralph Ludwig said yesterday.
The main focus areas will be on fitness of drivers and vehicles, while most if not all drivers will be screened for alcohol, he said.
Public motor vehicle drivers must make sure that their passengers and goods are in good hands, while long distance drivers should be assisted by a second driver and all drivers must refrain from driving while fatigued, and remain sober at all times when using public roads, the police further urged.
Taxi associations are called on to implement passenger name lists and leave a copy at the point of departure. They should keep another copy in the vehicle as this would assist both the owner and the police in case of any eventualities.
All drivers of vehicles should also be on the lookout for stray animals, pedestrians or other objects on the road.