The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA Fund) recently held a Media Day in Windhoek, spotlighting vital statistics and pressing issues regarding road safety and accident related claims in Namibia. The event led to inform journalists about the Fund’s latest data, trends and continuing challenges in addressing road crashes and supporting affected citizens.
Data presented during the Media Day revealed that Namibia continues to face a troubling road safety crisis, with human behavior namely speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence being cited as primary causes. According to the MVA Fund, the country experienced 2,128 road crashes in a recent period, with 319 fatalities reported by early September. Estimates indicate Namibia loses about N$1.3 billion annually due to these accidents, reflecting both lives lost and severe economic strain.
MVA Fund disclosed that in the most recent financial year, the MVA Fund processed a total of 2,578 claims. Of these 1,956 were injury grant claims, and 444 were funeral grant claims. Additional claim categories included loss of support, medical reimbursement, and loss of income, showing the wide-ranging impact of road accidents on Namibians and their families.
According to the MVA Fund’s accident and injury prevention manager, Jones Lutomii, Namibia experiences an average of 436 road-related deaths annually, which equates to roughly 1.2 deaths per day. In early September alone, a total of 2,128 crashes were recorded, resulting in 319 fatalities. Lutomii emphasized the crucial role of human behavior in these accidents, citing speeding, drunk, and distracted driving as key contributors to approximately 72 percent of all crashes.
The Media Day also featured information sharing sessions aimed at journalists, ensuring accurate reporting and better public understanding of the Fund’s operations. The MVA Fund continues to collaborate with media partners to promote safer driving habits and to inform the Namibian public about the avenues of support available to accident victims and their families.
With road crashes exerting such a vast human and financial toll, the MVA Fund’s Media Day highlighted an urgent need for sustained public education, enforcement of road safety laws, and continued transparency in handling claims. The workshop reinforced the Fund’s role not just as a reactive support mechanism, but as a proactive advocate for safer Namibian roads.
Martha Jeremia
