Drive safely this season

The start of the festive season between 22 and 26 November has seen a 21% increase in car crashes and a 29% increase in injuries, while the number of fatalities dropped by 67% compared to the same period last year.The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund recorded a total of 52 crashes over those five days, in which 97 people were injured to varying degrees.Two people were killed in car crashes.The most crashes took place in the Khomas Region, with 26 recorded, followed by nine accidents recorded in the Erongo Region.In the Otjozondjupa Region, five crashes were recorded, while one crash was recorded in Oshikoto, Kunene and Hardap over those five days.The crashes that led to the two deaths took place in the Kunene and Oshana regions.The MVA Fund stated that roll-over crashes were the cause of 19 accidents and 50 injuries.The 15 collisions caused 25 people to be injured.“Factors such as driver fatigue, inattentiveness, inappropriate driver behaviour, driving under the influence of alcohol and exceeding prescribed speed limits contribute to these types of crashes,” the MVA found. The MVA also warned that the extent of these types of crashes increases the likelihood of fatality, as roll-overs and collisions claimed 50% each of the total fatalities.The main focus area for road-safety authorities over the festive season will be driver fitness, vehicle fitness and passenger safety.The MVA urged Namibians to avoid driving when tired, to carry a valid driving licence and not to drink and drive.Drivers are also cautioned to ensure that their cars are in good condition, to switch on headlamps at all times and to make sure that wiper blades are fully functional to enhance visibility when it rains.All drivers and passengers are urged to wear seatbelts and passengers making use of public transport should enter their details on passenger lists.“Drivers, do not overload vehicles as such vehicles are harder to control, more unstable and more difficult to stop in an emergency and consequently endanger the lives of passengers and other road users.”Crashes can be reported to the MVA Fund accident response number at 081 9682. Namibians can also visit the MVA Fund Facebook and Twitter pages for road-safety tips.JANA-MARI SMITH

Drive safely this season

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-28

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Drive safely this season

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Namibian Sun 2025-10-28

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