Road crashes claim 229 lives in six months

A total of 45 road crashes, 84 injuries and eight deaths were recorded across the country between 15 and 21 June.

This is according to the latest statistics released by the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund.

The figures come as the fund calls on road users to take greater responsibility for road safety and change their behaviour on the country’s roads.

MVA Fund chief corporate affairs officer John Haufiku said on Wednesday that between 1 January and 21 June this year, Namibia recorded 1 333 crashes, 2 273 injuries and 229 deaths.

Although the numbers remain high, Haufiku said they represent an improvement compared to the same period last year.

He noted that crashes declined by 11%, injuries by 9% and fatalities by 6%. The fund says the loss of 229 lives in less than six months remains a concern.

“As we reach the halfway mark of the year, the MVA Fund is calling on all road users to reflect on the devastating human cost of road crashes and to take personal responsibility for making the country’s roads safer,” said Haufiku.

Haufiku also revealed that between January and 21 June, 489 pedestrian-related crashes were recorded. This resulted in 203 injuries and 37 deaths.

The data from the fund also shows that people aged between 25 and 29 were the most affected during the week under review, recording the highest number of both fatalities and injuries.

Haufiku said the Khomas region recorded the highest number of crashes this year with 493, followed by the Erongo region with 171 and the Otjozondjupa region with 130.

“The statistics indicate that progress is possible, but they also remind us that far too many lives are still lost on our roads. Every crash that is prevented spares a family from experiencing tragedy. Every life saved is a victory for Namibia. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement or road safety institutions; it is a shared responsibility that requires a change in behaviour among all road users,” he said.

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