Rather be safe than sorry

“The booze bus is not a white elephant. We have enjoyed a significant increase in the number of successes since the deployment of the mobile traffic office with holding cells on wheels and will continue to deploy this asset to curb traffic violations and also save lives on our roads at the coast,” emphasised Walvis Bay traffic chief, Eben Platt.

He implored road users not to look for a traffic officer as a reason to obey the rules of the road.

“Drivers have to think for themselves, their passengers and other road users. Rather depart early for your destination, plan your route and apply the rules of the road. Stay within the speed limits, ensure that your vehicle and trailer is roadworthy. Those who are not doing so, should be prepared to carry the consequences.”

Platt also reminded road users not to pay cash for fines issued to traffic officers.

“It does not work like that. Fines should be settled at courts or at police stations.”

He added that the traffic department is aware of the issues posed by trucks moving in convoys on national roads.

“Some of the truck drivers are not adhering to the proper following distances for heavy vehicles. This causes pile-ups and result in other drivers taking unnecessary chances which at times ends in head-on collisions with minimal chances of surviving.”

The figures do not lie

Platt pointed out that 16 people died in accidents on Namibian roads during Easter weekend in 2021. The country also recorded 74 road accidents and 122 injuries for this period and according to report released by the police, accidents increased to 289% (from 16), injuries to 352% (from 27), and fatalities to 300% (from four) compared to figures for 2020.

“Any death on our roads is one too much. The number of people losing their lives on our roads is frightening and totally deplorable. The problem clearly lies with the attitude of our drivers,” said Platt.

He pointed out that measures put in place due to Covid-19 had played a major role in the significant reduction of road accidents (four) experienced in 2020.

“The Covid induced lockdown and curfews are no more and we are expecting our roads to be extremely busy. Many people will be traveling to be with their loved ones or to break away from their usual routine.

“The increase in traveling leads to pile-ups at roadblocks and congested roads. Impatient, reckless, drunk and ­negligent drivers in turn create crashes.

“It is inexcusable that some road users gamble with their own and the lives of others. Refrain from making selfish ­decisions on the road that might lead to injury or the death of someone else.”

Focus on road safety

National police chief Lieutenant General Sebastian Ndeitunga recently announced that several road safety campaigns are planned for the upcoming public holidays in Namibia until July.

These campaigns already started over the Independence Day weekend with scheduled campaigns to follow from 15 to 18 April (Easter weekend), 2 to 6 May (mid-term weekend) and 13 June to 25 July (school holidays).

The primary objective of this road safety operation is to intensify patrols on main roads and ensure police visibility to save lives.