Namibia: 22 die in road accidents as holiday season sets in

WINDHOEK, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's Motor Vehicle Accident Fund (MVA) recorded 22 deaths and 31 crashes that rendered 38 persons with varying degrees of injury, in the first weekend of December.

The Fund in a statement on Wednesday said crashes recorded between Dec. 1 to 3, represent 54 percent of total crashes during the week of Nov. 27 to Dec. 3 while fatalities represent 96 percent of total fatalities recorded.

According to MVA, during the weekend under review, an overwhelming number of crashes were as a result of collisions and roll-overs. Collisions recorded 7 injuries and 12 fatalities while roll-overs recorded 15 injuries and nine fatalities.

"These figures point to the inability of motorists to control their vehicles owing to inadequate driver fitness, with attributes such as fatigue, speed, driving under the influence, inconsiderate and aggressive driving and dangerous overtaking being associated with collisions or roll-over crashes," said MVA Chief Corporate Affairs, Kapena Tjombonde.

Due to the high incidents of accident, Tjombonde encouraged all drivers to desist from exhibiting risky behavior and be mindful of not just their own safety but that of other road users.

Meanwhile all road users in the country are being urged to anticipate road risks by exercising the highest level of tolerance, patience, willingness to share the road as well as to adhere to all road signs and regulations. Enditem