Stop the carnage!

It’s no secret anymore. Our national roads have become synonymous with a death sentence and the level of road carnage in Namibia isn’t just startling, it’s a national problem. When 15 people died tragically in an accident, children were orphaned, homes lost breadwinners, mothers and fathers lost children with many families left with a void that could have otherwise been avoided. This isn’t only because other countries have significantly less road accidents, but also because our dangerous roads are no new problem. We have topped the global list of most road deaths over and over again. Sadly, hazardous roads only get into the spotlight if and when there is an accident, one as tragic as that of last week. Stakeholders in road safety have done much to prevent road accidents. There have been improved campaigns during the festive season and long weekends, among other efforts. And while there has been some sort of success in terms of reducing road carnage over the festive seasons, it just isn’t enough. Everyone and all stakeholders need to join the party. This includes police, media and the general public. We see too many overloaded buses and cars pass road blocks while around towns, after a night of partying, people fearlessly drive off to their homes while heavily intoxicated. It’s no secret that there are great benefits in wearing a seatbelt, yet many still don’t do that. Animals also continue to cause havoc on our northern roads. In order to prevent accidents, it’s important that motorists be vigilant, awake and to make sure that their vehicle headlights are working to enable them to see the way ahead and avoid crashes. Sadly, in many instances, this just isn’t happening. Other common road offences such as overloading, drinking and driving, speeding and the use of unroadworthy vehicles should also be closely monitored by law enforcement agencies. All of this is indication that not everyone is committed to making our roads safer for all. It’s time we engaged in a meaningful national conversation on how improve road accident prevention measures. Everyone needs to take ownership of this problem.