Road safety is everyone's concern
With the Easter weekend just around the corner, road safety is on everyone's mind. Namibia Media Holdings (NMH), together with OUTsurance Namibia, launched a road safety campaign this week.
According to Nangula Kauluma, CEO of OUTsurance Namibia, there are about 340 000 vehicles on the country's roads.
Namibia's road network of just over 46 000 km is regarded as one of the best in Africa, yet road accidents are the third biggest cause of death in the country.
“According to statistics obtained from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund's website from January to March alone, 672 crashes, 1 067 injuries and 120 fatalities were recorded,” said Kauluma.
The CEO of NMH, Albe Botha, said there are five important points that road users must pay attention to. “We should now use the time before Easter to make sure that our vehicles are roadworthy. Look at your vehicle's tyres and shock absorbers, and make sure your insurance is up to date before going on the road.”
Botha further warned that speed kills. “Speed does not only influence the people that are involved in the accident by causing their death or injuries, but speed also impacts the families that are left behind. So also think about those that are left behind and the impact on their lives if you want to drive too fast.”
Botha said drivers must pay attention to the solid white lines on the road. “They are there for a reason. They are to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. Do not overtake on a white line.”
He further said that road users should be more considerate.
“We are the most inconsiderate nation that I know. We push in front of people and are reckless. If we were more considerate we would not overtake on a white line and we would not speed. It is a ripple effect.”
Kauluma said there are a number of factors that contribute to car accidents, such as road design, environmental factors like objects or animals on the road, and driver skill or behaviour.
OUTsurance decided to concentrate on driver behaviour during this campaign.
She reminded OUTsurance clients that the OUTsurance Help@OUT service number at 061 306 081 provides free emergency roadside assistance 24 hours a day.
TANJA BAUSE
According to Nangula Kauluma, CEO of OUTsurance Namibia, there are about 340 000 vehicles on the country's roads.
Namibia's road network of just over 46 000 km is regarded as one of the best in Africa, yet road accidents are the third biggest cause of death in the country.
“According to statistics obtained from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund's website from January to March alone, 672 crashes, 1 067 injuries and 120 fatalities were recorded,” said Kauluma.
The CEO of NMH, Albe Botha, said there are five important points that road users must pay attention to. “We should now use the time before Easter to make sure that our vehicles are roadworthy. Look at your vehicle's tyres and shock absorbers, and make sure your insurance is up to date before going on the road.”
Botha further warned that speed kills. “Speed does not only influence the people that are involved in the accident by causing their death or injuries, but speed also impacts the families that are left behind. So also think about those that are left behind and the impact on their lives if you want to drive too fast.”
Botha said drivers must pay attention to the solid white lines on the road. “They are there for a reason. They are to ensure your safety and the safety of other road users. Do not overtake on a white line.”
He further said that road users should be more considerate.
“We are the most inconsiderate nation that I know. We push in front of people and are reckless. If we were more considerate we would not overtake on a white line and we would not speed. It is a ripple effect.”
Kauluma said there are a number of factors that contribute to car accidents, such as road design, environmental factors like objects or animals on the road, and driver skill or behaviour.
OUTsurance decided to concentrate on driver behaviour during this campaign.
She reminded OUTsurance clients that the OUTsurance Help@OUT service number at 061 306 081 provides free emergency roadside assistance 24 hours a day.
TANJA BAUSE
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