The Erongo Region has recorded an increase of 15 crashes in 2022 between 01 January-27 November, compared to the same period in 2021.

This translates into 295 crashes recorded in 2022 compared to the 280 crashes recorded in 2021.

Meanwhile, a slight decrease of six fatalities was recorded in the number of fatalities which occurred in 2022 of the same period with 34 in 2022 from the 40 fatalities recorded in 2021.

These statistics were provided by Erongo Regional Police Commander, Commissioner Nikolaus Kupembona during the official launch of the festive season road safety campaign for the Erongo Region on Friday.

The commissioner cautioned road users travelling to the coast for holidays to practice caution and obey traffic laws and regulations at all times, during the festive season and beyond.

“It is evident that during the festive seasons, our national roads become a cause of concern to our nation as a result of the road accidents that tend to increase during this time of year. Road crashes and fatalities can be reduced if road users change their attitude on the road, adopt the highest levels of discipline and courtesy towards other road users and drive responsibly. Road users must appreciate that roads are shared spaces,” he stressed.

The commissioner noted that they would therefore deploy more Traffic Law Enforcement officers on national roads during this festive season, to enforce traffic laws and regulations, in order to prevent road accidents, injuries and fatalities.

Focus will be placed on reckless and negligent driving, drunken driving, unroadworthy vehicles, speeding and inconsiderate driving, among others, which are high contributors to road accidents.

Kupembona further urged all road users to operate within the framework of the law, by being vigilant, maintaining the allowed speed limit and maintaining a safe following distance.

The main roadblock entering Swakopmund from Arandis will be operating for 24 hours during the festive season.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency