The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund has cautioned motorists to be considerate during this solemn time.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, stresses that with increased traffic expected in Windhoek for the state funeral of President Hage Geingob, motorists are urged to be patient on the road.

Martins-Hausiku emphasises the need for adherence to speed limits and responsible driving to ensure the safety of all road users.

Pedestrians are also reminded to use designated crossings and pathways for their safety.

The Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) is advising the public to save the emergency number 9682 to promptly report road accidents.

Since December 10, there have been over 70 recorded crashes, resulting in 14 fatalities. Often, individuals at accident scenes are unaware of the emergency number to call.

The MVA says it is dedicated to promoting road safety and minimising the frequency of accidents on national roads. 

However, this requires all drivers to comply with traffic rules and regulations to safeguard their safety and that of others.

As road carnage continues to claim the lives of Namibians at an alarming rate, Otjozondjupa Region, which is one of the accident-prone hotspot regions, has recorded a decline in fatalities and injuries to date as compared to 2022.

MVA's Regional Head of Accident and Injury Prevention, Daniel Mouton, shared this rather good development during the official launch of the 2023–2024 Otjozondjupa Festive Season Road Safety Launch at Otjiwarongo.

Mouton says this year alone, the region recorded 223 car accidents, of which 480 resulted in injuries and 45 fatalities.

74% of men have died in road accidents while 60% have been injured in the past three years on national roads.

This is according to the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, whose Chief Executive Officer is calling on women to play a greater role in promoting road safety.

A two-day conference for women in road safety ended at Swakopmund on Friday.

The platform was aimed at influencing appropriate road user behaviour and allowing women to find their voice among demands for safer roads.