Windhoek, April 6 — The MVA Fund of Namibia yesterday released a press statement expressing concern in the increase of crashes, Injuries and fatalities during the easter period of 2024 compared to last year. ”The MVA Fund has noted with concern an increase in crashes, injuries and fatalities over the Easter long-weekend. Compared to the same period in 2023, there has been a notable increase in road crashes, injuries as well as fatalities.Despite intensified road safety awareness campaigns and enhanced law enforcement presence at strategic roadblocks, data collated by the MVA Fund reflects a total of 37 crashes in which 126 people suffered a variety of injuries with 8 lives lost. During the 2023 Easter weekend, there were 35 crashes recorded, 106 injuries and resulting in 5 fatalities. Out of the 37 crashes recorded this year, 26 crashes occurred in five regions namely Khomas which registered the highest number of crashes with 12, followed by Oshana 5. Erongo, Omusati, and Otjozondjupa regions each reported three crashes. Hardap, Kavango East, Omaheke and Oshikoto regions all recorded two crashes each while Kavango West, Ohangwena and Zambezi regions recorded one crash each. Notably, Kunene and //Karas regions recorded no crashes during the Easter weekend.”
The Fund noted that despite heightened traffic in Omaheke region as a result of the Namibian Newspaper Cup, the region recorded a decrease in road crashes (2), injuries (11) and zero fatalities. In 2023 the region recorded three (3) crashes, nineteen (19) injuries and zero fatalities. Among the affected regions, Otjozondjupa recorded the highest number of injuries (34), accounting for 27% of the total injuries. The region also recorded the highest number of fatalities, with three lives (3) lost accounting for 38% of the total fatalities, compared to zero fatalities recorded in the region during the same period in 2023.
According the fund, the biggest contributing factors to these crashes include driver fatigue, inattentiveness, inappropriate driving behavior, driving under the influence of intoxicating substances, and exceeding prescribed speed limits.
The MVA Fund once again reminds the public to adhere to road traffic regulations, maintain positive road user behavior, and promptly report crashes to the MVA Fund Toll-Free Accident Response Number 9682.
African Youth Newspaper
