The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund says a total of 158 crashes were recorded between 1 January and 28 January 2024 across Namibia.
The latest MVA Fund statistics reveal that the crashes resulted in 335 injuries and 29 fatalities.
Rosalía Martins-Hausiku, the Chief Executive Officer of the MVA Fund, expressed grave concern over the uptick in road accidents, particularly following the conclusion of the festive season.
“The safety of road users is of paramount importance to the MVA Fund. Road crashes not only bring about immeasurable loss and suffering to affected families but also have far-reaching impacts on communities and the nation as a whole,” stated Martins-Hausiku.
Martins-Hausiku emphasised the critical need for drivers to exercise utmost caution and prioritise the safety of all road users to mitigate the occurrence of such tragic incidents as Namibia lost 16 lives with 89 people injured during the past week due to road traffic crashes.
Highlighting the preventable nature of many road accidents, Martins-Hausiku stressed the importance of conscientious driving and strict adherence to traffic laws and regulations.
She emphasised the significance of planning long journeys meticulously and avoiding driving during nighttime when visibility on the roads is significantly reduced.
“The MVA Fund urges the public to remain vigilant and report any accidents promptly, by calling our toll-free accident response number, 9682, individuals can play a crucial role in saving lives and preventing further tragedies on our roads,” urged Martins-Hausiku.
The MVA Fund’s call for heightened awareness and proactive measures comes amid growing concerns over road safety and the need for concerted efforts to curb the rising trend of accidents.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of these incidents, the collective responsibility to foster a culture of responsible driving and road safety remains paramount.
This follows the release of statistics by the Namibian Police indicating an upswing in motor accidents during the recent festive season when compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.
Despite the surge in accidents, the police noted that there was a notable 14% decrease in fatalities, shedding light on the intricate road safety landscape in the country.
From 17 November 2022, to 1 January 2023, the police documented a total of 382 accidents, resulting in 711 injuries and 66 fatalities.
