The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund has recorded an increase in road accidents involving children aged between five and 17, with the latest statistics indicating that 244 children were injured in 2021 compared to 198 during the same period in 2020.

The MVA Fund’s Chief of Corporate Affairs, Surihe Gaomas-Guchu, in a statement issued on Tuesday stated that the Khomas region recorded the highest number of accidents with 93, followed by Erongo with 28 and Otjozondjupa with 27. Kavango East and Omusati regions recorded the lowest accidents on three and four respectively. Otjozondjupa recorded the highest number of fatalities with 5, from the total 24 recorded.

Gaomas-Guchu said these statistics require an ‘all hands on deck’ approach, especially with schools having resumed face-to-face learning. She further encouraged all parents, guardians and teachers to protect the lives of the Namibian child by making road safety a priority.

“I implore on everyone to make children road safety a cause of concern at home, schools or in the community,” said Gaomas-Guchu, adding that those transporting school children must familiarize themselves with school drop-off zones, plan their journey and adhere to all road safety regulations, including speed limits when approaching school zones.

“In the same vein, motorists are requested to be patient, slow down and look out for children when driving in school vicinities. Children are already vulnerable. We therefore need to create an environment where they can safely learn, thrive and be happy,” added Gaomas-Guchu.

Source: Namibia Press Agency