Recent deadly accidents raise the alarm bells

Three recent vehicle accidents, that caused the death of a total of eleven people last weekend, raise the alarm bells. With the festive season fast approaching, during which tens of thousands of people will travel Namibia’s roads to reach their traditional homes and other holiday destinations, renewed calls are made for Namibian drivers to exercise caution and common sense behind the steering wheel.

It is also important that drivers of vehicles realise they have the lives of other people in their hands and road safety should be the number one priority.
In the various accidents, two men died last Saturday in a head-on collision between two vehicles on the B2 coastal road at Langstrand. A day later, Maria Bampton was killed in a road accident near Dune 7 on the MR44 after the driver of the car in which she was a passenger left the road and overturned.
On the same day seven people lost their lives on the B1 between Otavi and Otjiwarongo when a seven-seater passenger vehicle collided head-on with a truck.
In two of the accidents dangerous overtaking is believed to be the cause of the accidents.
Vehicle drivers are urged to avoid dangerous overtaking at all cost. Speed is also believed to have played a role in all three of the accidents, whilst general rules like the wearing of safety belts, use of cell phones when driving and drinking and driving are also on the list of reasons accidents occur.
As the holiday season approaches, vehicle owners are urged to check vehicle roadworthiness, and avoid overloading.