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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

MVA Fund Calls for Urgent Change in Road User Behaviour as 229 Lives Lost in Six Months

Windhoek, June 24 – The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has called on all road users to take greater responsibility for road safety as the country records 229 road fatalities during the first six months of 2026.

According to statistics covering the period from 1 January to 21 June 2026, Namibia recorded 1,333 crashes, 2,273 injuries, and 229 fatalities nationwide. While these figures reflect an improvement compared to the same period in 2025, the MVA Fund says the loss of life remains alarmingly high.

Compared to last year, crashes declined by 11% from 1,500 cases, injuries decreased by 9% from 2,486, and fatalities dropped by 6% from 243 deaths. Despite these positive trends, the Fund stressed that 229 deaths in six months remain unacceptable.

The latest weekly report, covering 15 to 21 June 2026, recorded 45 crashes, 84 injuries, and eight fatalities. Although lower than figures recorded in previous years, the deaths serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing road safety challenges facing the country.

Pedestrians continue to be among the most vulnerable road users. Between January and June, Namibia recorded 489 pedestrian-related crashes, resulting in 203 injuries and 37 deaths. The MVA Fund noted that these incidents highlight the persistent risks faced by pedestrians across the country.

Young adults also remain disproportionately affected by road crashes. During the reporting week, the highest number of fatalities and injuries occurred among people aged 25 to 29 years.

Regionally, the Khomas Region recorded the highest number of crashes with 493, followed by Erongo Region with 171 and Otjozondjupa Region with 130.

The MVA Fund says it continues to strengthen road safety awareness through community outreach programmes, school engagements, stakeholder partnerships, public education campaigns, and targeted interventions along high-risk routes. These initiatives focus on promoting compliance with speed limits, seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, sober driving, vehicle roadworthiness, and reducing distracted driving.

“The statistics show that progress is possible, but they also remind us that far too many lives are still lost on our roads. Every crash prevented spares a family from 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,” said John Haufiku, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at the MVA Fund.

With less than a week remaining before the end of the first half of 2026, the Fund has urged all Namibians to recommit themselves to responsible road use and help reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities on the nation’s roads.

Xinhua proud partner of the African Youth Newspaper

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