The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) have appealed to all visitors and residents to be extra vigilant when travelling on national roads this festive season.
Deputy inspector-general of operations, James Tjivikua made the call in view of the high number of international tourists and Namibians expected to use Namibian roads this time of the year.
Tjivikua said this on Friday when he officially launched this year’s festive season road safety and crime prevention activities that will be running from 16 November 2016 to 17 January 2017.
He reiterated the importance of safety, and urged road users to be extra cautious, practice patience and adhere to the stipulated rules and regulations.
“I kindly request for the attention of the Namibian nation, particularly road users, to ensure the ultimate safety of our citizens and visitors alike.”
He said Namibia is facing a growing pandemic of road accidents causing deaths and serious injuries to the citizens and visitors. Namibia is reportedly among the countries with the highest driving fatalities per capita in the world.
“This is not a good indication at all. It demonstrates that there is a lot resting on our shoulders to lock horns with the dilemma we find ourselves in.”
Tjivikua said that if the outcome of the road safety campaign can contribute to the improvement of the circumstances at hand, it will indeed be time and resources well utilised.
He said some people blame the carnage and related injuries on the conditions of the country’s roads and the lack of enforcement of laws.
“Our road infrastructure is among the best in Africa, if not in the world. We should rather blame it on road users’ attitudes of being reckless by speeding and overtaking at blind spots, using gadgets while driving, and drunken driving, to mention but a few.”
Tjivikua said NamPol traffic officers in conjunction with all other law-enforcement units in Namibia’s 14 political regions will be fully visible on the national roads.
Roadblocks will be set up throughout the regions and patrols will also be conducted randomly at various towns.
-Nampa
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