Police urge road safety compliance to curb accidents

Police urge road safety compliance to curb accidents

The Namibian Police Force has renewed its call for strict adherence to road traffic laws as the festive season draws to a close and daily traffic volumes begin to increase across the country. 

In a public notice issued this week, the Namibian Police urged drivers, motorcyclists and pedestrians to take personal responsibility for road safety, warning that reckless behaviour continues to place lives at risk on Namibia’s roads.

Reports indicate that Namibia recorded 2793 road crashes resulting in 431 fatalities and 4,565 injuries between January and November 2025. Recent figures suggest 488 road deaths and 3126 crashes between January and mid-December, representing a 20% increase in fatalities in comparison with the same period last year.

The Namibian Police emphasised that speeding remains one of the leading causes of traffic crashes, calling on motorists to respect legal speed limits in order to maintain vehicle control and reduce the severity of accidents.

Road users were also reminded to apply the correct following distance, with the Namibian Police recommending at least a three-second gap between vehicles, particularly in poor weather conditions or heavy traffic, to allow sufficient stopping time.

The Namibian Police further cautioned against dangerous overtaking, urging motorists to properly assess visibility, road conditions and oncoming traffic before attempting to pass other vehicles. In reiterating a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving, the Namibian Police warned that even small amounts of alcohol impair judgement and reaction time. Motorists were encouraged to plan ahead by using sober drivers or alternative transport.

“Road safety remains a shared responsibility,” the Namibian Police said, adding that strict obedience to traffic regulations can significantly reduce accidents, injuries and fatalities on public roads.The Namibian police also urged drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys, noting that mechanical failures can contribute to avoidable crashes.

The reminder comes as traffic patterns shift from festive travel to routine commuting, a period which the Namibian police says it requires renewed vigilance from all road users. 

The Namibian police have called on members of the public to cooperate with law-enforcement efforts and to make road safety a priority, stressing that simple compliance with traffic laws can save lives.

isipunga@nepc.com.na