RUNDU: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) in the Kavango West Region initiated its 2023/24 Festive Season Operation and Road Safety Campaign in Nkurenkuru on Tuesday, focusing on reducing road accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

According to Namibia Press Agency (NAMPA), the NamPol Kavango West Regional Commander, the campaign specifically targets common road offences like speeding, drunk driving, overloading, and operating unfit vehicles. These factors have been identified as primary causes of fatal road accidents in Namibia. Sakuwa-Neo highlighted the alarming statistics from her region, noting that there were 10 road fatalities this year, compared to 13 in the previous year, with all deaths resulting from pedestrians being hit by vehicles.

Sakuwa-Neo expressed concern over the increase in road accidents during the festive season, emphasizing the urgent need for rigorous traffic law enforcement and sustained collaboration with stakeholders. This effort aligns with Namibia’s commitment to the Decade of Action for Road Safety, aiming to halve road fatalities by 2030.

In addition to focusing on road safety, the operation also aims to curb general crime in the region. The regional commander raised concerns about the presence of children in drinking establishments and called on shebeen owners to refrain from selling alcohol to minors. She also urged parents to be more vigilant about their children’s locations and activities.

Lukas Shikongo, the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund case coordinator for the two Kavango regions, shared insights from a recent study. According to the MVA Fund’s research, human behavior is responsible for 72 percent of car crashes in six regions, including Kavango West. The study identified speeding, overloading, unsafe overtaking, and the use of electronic devices while driving as key contributing factors.

The festive season campaign, with its dual focus on reducing road accidents and general crime, is set to continue until early January 2024.