57 drinking and driving arrests at Walvis and Swakop during December

Local authorities at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay have grappled with traffic issues related to irresponsible behaviour on the roads during the festive season.

Data obtained by The Namibian shows that 57 motorists were arrested for drinking and driving at both towns during December, with 28 arrested at Swakopmund and 29 at Walvis Bay.

Swakopmund chief executive Alfeus Benjamin says: “While we welcome people from all over the country and indeed the world to our towns, as it contributes significantly to our economy, we would like to encourage our visitors and residents to enjoy their time here in a responsible manner,” he says.

A total of 89 accidents and 343 fines for various traffic violations have been reported at Swakopmund.

The top four traffic violations recorded relate to road traffic signs, including stop signs and parking signs. Others relate to driving without a valid licence, failure to wear seat belts and several incidents of using mobile phones while driving.

At Walvis Bay, 305 summonses and 126 warnings were issued. This includes 166 warrants of arrest issued and 30 drivers’ licences suspended.

The traffic department at the town conducted 30 roadblocks for general roadworthiness during the festive season.

Additionally, 103 cases of failing to carry a driving licence, four learner drivers without supervision and six cases of people without driver’s licences were recorded.

Six drivers and four passengers were fined for body parts protruding outside vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Erongo police recorded four cases of culpable homicide and reckless driving during the same period, while one person died in an accident at Omaruru.

Other accidents involved pedestrians who were hit by motorists at Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. In both incidents, the drivers abandoned the accident scenes and failed to ascertain the extent of the damage and seriousness of injuries.