Windhoek: The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has reported an increase in pedestrian-related road incidents across Namibia, with crashes, injuries, and fatalities all showing a concerning increase compared to the same period last year.

According to Namibia Press Agency, MVA Fund data compiled between 01 January and 04 June 2025, pedestrian-related crashes rose by 15 percent from 435 to 501. Injuries saw a 14 percent increase, climbing from 406 to 464.

Pedestrian fatalities jumped by a staggering 45 percent, from 60 to 87 deaths.

MVA Fund CEO Rosalia Martins-Hausiku expressed concern over these figures in a media statement released on Thursday.

She said children aged zero to 14 represent a disproportionate number of victims, accounting for 23 percent of the 109 pedestrian injuries and 18 percent (16) of all fatalities.

The Khomas Region contributed nearly half of all pedestrian harm, with 45 percent (226) of crashes, 49 percent (226) of injuries, and 18 percent (16) of fatalities.

The Kunene Region reported the lowest figures, with four crashes, two of which were fatal.

Martins-Hausiku also noted that more than half (51 percent) of these fatalities occurred between 18h00 and 23h59, often in dimly lit areas or during peak traffic when pedestrian visibility is compromised.

Morning hours (02h00-03h59) also saw an increase in crashes and injuries compared to the previous year.

'We cannot normalise these numbers. We are seeing entire communities living with the pain of preventable loss,' remarked Martins-Hausiku.

'Every driver, every policymaker, city planner, and citizen have a role to play in turning this tide.'

She urged all road users to exercise caution by slowing down, staying alert, and giving pedestrians right of way. Parents were also encouraged to educate their children about road safety and to accompany them when possible.

In response to the escalating numbers, the MVA Fund is intensifying its road safety education campaigns. These initiatives will target schools, taxi ranks, and community centres, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Khomas, Oshikoto, and Zambezi regions, in efforts to curb crashes, injuries, and fatalities.