37 road fatalities during July

THIRTY seven people were killed in car accidents during July, according to statistics recorded at the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA).

The fatalities were a result of 232 crashes in the month, during which 437 people sustained injuries.The Khomas region recorded the highest amount (94), followed by Erongo (31) and Oshana (18). Oshana has the highest amount of fatalities with eight cases.According to the MVA, the crash-figure has dropped from 264 last year the same period to 232 this year, but those injured increased from 428 to 437.The number of fatalities has also dropped by eight in comparison to last year’s 45.The statistics further indicate that the age group (22-40), regarded as the ‘most productive in society’, accounted for 18 of July’s deaths.’Pedestrian deaths remain a concern for the fund as they were once again the top road users involved in fatal crashes. Pedestrians are vulnerable road users, and accounted for 16 of the deaths. Pedestrian related crashes stood at 70 out of 323,’ according to the fund.The crashes and injuries cost the fund N$17,5 million during July, of which N$13 million was paid to service providers. Furthermore, the fund spent N$5,5 million in claims expenses in respect of benefits such as funeral grant as well as loss support, medical and loss of income undertakings.Catherine Shipushu, media spokesperson for the MVA, told The Namibian that the figure for fatalities for August (until Sunday) were standing at six.Two people died in two separate road accidents in Erongo since Friday.On Friday, two people in a red Golf with a Swakopmund registration were involved in an accident about 30 kilometres from Karibib toward Okahandja.It is alleged that a male driver picked up a female hitchhiker at Karibib before continuing towards Okahandja. The driver allegedly lost control of the vehicle before it overturned. He was killed on the spot, while the female sustained less serious injuries.In the second accident, a bakkie with seven occupants (including two young children) overturned on the C35 Uis/Henties Bay dirt road, about 40 kilometres from Henties Bay on Saturday at around 13h00.One fatality was reported, while two sustained serious injuries; one less seriously injured; and four minor injuries were reported. It is alleged that the driver lost control after a rear tyre burst causing the bakkie to veer off the road and overturn.