Police ready for busy roads during festive season

ELLANIE SMITWINDHOEKWith the festive season around the corner, Namibians will be travelling to various holiday destinations, resulting in busy roads and more road accidents.The police have therefore increased their presence on the roads to ensure compliance and road safety.The Festive Season Road Safety Campaign was officially launched last week and runs from 17 November 2021 until 17 January 2022.At the launch, police Inspector-General Sebastian Ndeitunga’s speech was delivered by the regional commander of Karas, Commissioner David Indongo.Ndeitunga said an increase in road accidents was expected and therefore there is a need to deploy more traffic officers.He said this should be done to ensure road safety and to prove the police’s commitment to keeping all roads safe during the festive season.Ndeitunga said the police had already deployed traffic law enforcement officers to fixed checkpoints, especially on the B1 and B2 roads.The focus areas of the campaign are to patrol the main roads, ensure constant visibility on the roads, execute arrest warrants, check roadworthiness of motor vehicles, identify overloading and speed measuring.It will also focus on vehicles carrying passengers, and random breath testing to combat drunk driving.“The police, in close collaboration with other law enforcers and all stakeholders, will continue to play a significant role in the efforts to enhance road safety awareness campaigns.”StatisticsNdeitunga said statistics show that 2 579 accidents had occurred from 1 January to 14 November, which resulted in 4 464 injuries and 426 fatalities.In comparison with the same period last year, accidents were up 8%, injuries increased by 6% and fatalities by 12%.“It already gives an indication that road users are still not complying with the road safety regulations.”Ndeitunga said 471 accidents, 866 injuries and 84 fatalities were reported during last year’s Festive Season Road Safety Campaign.“The Second Decade of Action strategy directed the stakeholders to reduce traffic accidents by 50%. Thus, all road users are compelled to adhere to the provisions of the Road Traffic and Transportation Act at all times, not only when they see a traffic checkpoint or traffic patrol vehicles on the highway, but as a standard throughout their lifetime.”

Police ready for busy roads during festive season

Comments

Namibian Sun 2022-05-24

Please login to leave a comment

Police ready for busy roads during festive season

Comments

Namibian Sun 2022-05-24

Please login to leave a comment

Login