In its latest report, the Namibian Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund says that human error, or drivers’ illegal actions, are among the key causes of road carnage.
It listed the leading causes of accidents as speeding, overloading, fatigue, driving while on cellphones and overtaking at undesignated spots.
The MVA Fund’s report attributes 25% of accidents to road conditions, while 3% results from a faulty vehicle.
Meanwhile, the 2023 'Festive Season Road Safety Campaign' was launched at Swakopmund recently, aimed at eliminating irresponsible driving.
At least three out of four road accidents recorded last year were because of irresponsible driving, the report states.
Some 324 road crashes and 67 fatalities were recorded during the festive season last year.
Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, the chief executive of the MVA Fund, said the risk of fatalities during this period of the year is high.
She said the fund spends an average of 218 million Namibian dollars annually on hospital expenses and personal claims, including for loss of support and income.
The campaign, launched under the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), is running under the theme: 'Do the Right Thing and Save Lives'.
NRSC executive secretary, Eugene Tendekule, said: "Safety is not just a humanitarian concern, but also a matter of economic importance, as losses in this group could significantly impact the nation's workforce and economic potential."
NRSC chairperson, Eliphas !Owos-Oab, said traffic accidents, primarily resulting from deliberate non-compliance with road rules, cannot be brushed off as mere errors.
"Instead, they represent a significant lapse in judgement and responsibility among road users," he said.
Roads Authority (RA) chief executive, Conrad Lutombi, added that the Road Safety Strategy (2021-2030) prioritises infrastructure safety, enforcing traffic laws for commercial vehicles, vehicle roadworthiness and comprehensive driver testing.
As part of this festive season's safety initiatives, the RA will deploy traffic law-enforcement officials equipped with speed cameras and alcohol screening devices on major highways, particularly the B1 and B2 routes.
Lutombi warned against using fake driving licences, noting that officials now have specialised tools to detect forgeries.
He said mobile vehicle testing stations will be present at various roadblocks.
Minister of Works and Transport John Mutorwa, emphasised the role of road safety in Namibia's economic development.
He highlighted the congested state of corridors linking Namibia with landlocked countries in southern Africa, stressing that road safety and infrastructure development are not just about facilitating transport, but are integral to the economic well-being of the country.
"Improving our roads is not a favour to others, it is a strategic economic and developmental necessity for Namibia," Mutorwa said.
Ali Ipinge, the chief executive of the Road Fund Administration (RFA), highlighted the administration's commitment to the United Nations Africa Road Safety Action Plan (2021-2030).
Its contributions, exceeding N$200 million annually, include investments in the design and management of national roads, road reserve bush clearing and road markings, he said.
Furthermore, the RFA has enhanced traffic law-enforcement capabilities by supplying agencies with essential equipment and machinery, he said.
