Namibia recorded 1,747 road traffic crashes between 1 January and 9 August 2026, leaving 279 people dead and 2,996 injured, as police launched a month-long nationwide road safety operation ahead of the school holidays and Heroes’ Day.
Acting Inspector General of the Namibian Police Force, Major General Anne Nainda, said the figures remain a serious concern as the country prepares for increased traffic volumes during the second-term school holidays and the Heroes’ Day commemoration.
The Namibian Police launched its Integrated Road Safety Operation on Wednesday. The campaign will run from 12 August to 10 September 2026.
Nainda said the operation is aimed at strengthening traffic law enforcement, increasing police visibility and promoting responsible road user behaviour.
She warned that traffic volumes are expected to rise significantly along the B1 and B2 national road corridors, increasing the risk of serious crashes.
“Experience has consistently demonstrated that these periods are associated with an elevated risk of serious road traffic crashes, resulting in injuries and fatalities. The main contributing factors include excessive speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless and negligent driving, unlicensed driving, and the operation of unroadworthy vehicles,” Nainda said.
The operation, which is being conducted under the theme “Engage, Educate and Enforce”, will combine high-visibility policing, public education, stakeholder collaboration and intensified traffic law enforcement.
Twenty dedicated Traffic Law Enforcement Officers will be deployed along the B1 and B2 corridors to conduct roadblocks, patrols, vehicle inspections, checkpoints and targeted enforcement against the leading causes of road crashes.
Nainda said the operation will also be implemented across all 14 police regions after Regional Commanders were instructed to intensify traffic enforcement and visible policing in their respective jurisdictions.
“Each region will deploy police members to intensify visible policing, traffic law enforcement and road safety interventions throughout the operational period, with one common aim of deterring traffic violations, promoting compliance with road safety regulations and safeguarding the lives of all road users,” she said.
She emphasised that officers have been instructed to enforce the law professionally and impartially while treating motorists and other road users with dignity and respect.
“Our objective is not merely to issue fines; our primary purpose is to prevent road traffic crashes and save lives,” Nainda said.
The operation will target the B1 and B2 corridors, as well as other identified high-risk areas, with the aim of reducing crashes, injuries and fatalities during the holiday period.
Nainda urged motorists to obey speed limits, avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and exercise patience and consideration towards other road users.
The nationwide road safety campaign will conclude in September.
