MVA records rise in road deaths, crashes

Namibia recorded a 19% rise in road fatalities this year, with 448 people killed on the country’s roads between 1 January and 26 November, compared to 376 over the same period in 2024. These deaths were part of a total of 2 960 crashes, up 5% from 2 822 last year, the latest Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund statistics show.In contrast, the number of injuries fell slightly, dropping 1% from 4 894 to 4 846.The statistics, shared by MVA Fund’s manager for corporate communication and stakeholder relations, Hilaria Graig, show that the Khomas region continues to carry the heaviest crash burden in the country, accounting for 37% of all reported accidents. The region recorded 1 081 crashes, up 8% from last year, and 76 fatalities – a 69% increase compared with 2024.Grim figures amid some improvements Other high-crash regions included Erongo with 363 accidents, Oshana with 285, Otjozondjupa with 238 and Oshikoto with 182. Three regions – Hardap, Zambezi and //Karas – tied for sixth place, each contributing 3% of the national total.The report also notes that while some regions saw improvements, others experienced sharp increases in fatalities. Hardap recorded a 106% rise, with deaths rising from 16 last year to 33 this year, while Zambezi’s fatalities increased by 75%.Several regions reported reductions in crashes and injuries. Kavango East registered a 17% drop in accidents and a 41% decline in injuries. //Karas also saw decreases in both categories, with crashes down 5% and injuries down 9%.The fund reported that several regions recorded significant increases in deaths. Ohangwena saw a 31% rise in fatalities, while Otjozondjupa experienced a 15% increase.Men, pedestrians most at riskGender-based data shows that men remain disproportionately affected by road trauma. Of the 448 fatalities, 338 were men, compared with 109 women. Male injuries also far outnumbered female injuries, with 3 119 cases versus 1 718.Analysis by crash type reveals that pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, accounting for 168 deaths – the highest of any category. Rollovers were the second-leading cause with 133 fatalities, while vehicle collisions resulted in 108 deaths.The report shows that cyclist-related crashes accounted for the fewest fatalities, with four deaths, despite 845 incidents being recorded. Crashes involving animals totalled 576, resulting in six deaths.Although injuries showed a slight improvement, the continued rise in fatalities underscores the persistent dangers on Namibia’s roads, particularly in urban and high-traffic areas.

MVA records rise in road deaths, crashes

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-27

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MVA records rise in road deaths, crashes

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Namibian Sun 2026-04-27

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