Allexer Namundjembo
A total of 1 333 road crashes have been recorded across Namibia between 1 January and 21 June 2026, according to the Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund, highlighting ongoing concerns over road safety.
The MVA said the crashes resulted in 2 273 injuries and 229 fatalities during the six-month period, describing the loss of life as “unacceptable” despite an overall decline compared to 2025.
MVA Fund chief corporate affairs officer John Haufiku said the figures show some improvement, but warned that the human cost remains too high.
“While there has been a welcomed decline in crashes, injuries, and fatalities compared with the same period in 2025, the figures remain deeply concerning,” he said.
He added that 229 lives lost in just six months should serve as a wake-up call to all road users.
According to the MVA Fund, crashes have declined by 11% from 1 500 recorded during the same period last year, while injuries dropped by 9% and fatalities by 6%.
However, Haufiku stressed that road crashes continue to have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate victims.
“It is a reminder that road crashes not only affect those directly involved but also leave lasting emotional, social, and economic consequences for families and communities across Namibia,” he said.
The latest weekly report, covering 15 to 21 June 2026, recorded 45 crashes, 84 injuries, and 8 fatalities.
The fund noted that although these figures show improvement, the loss of eight lives in a single week remains a serious concern.
Pedestrians remain particularly vulnerable, with 489 pedestrian-related crashes recorded so far this year.
These incidents resulted in 203 injuries and 37 deaths.
The MVA further indicated that young adults are among the most affected, with people aged between 25 and 29 recording the highest number of fatalities and injuries during the reporting week.
Regionally, Khomas recorded the highest number of crashes at 493, followed by Erongo with 171 and Otjozondjupa with 130.
The MVA Fund said this reflects the widespread nature of the problem, affecting both urban and rural areas.
Haufiku said the institution continues to intensify road safety campaigns through community outreach, school programmes, and public awareness initiatives aimed at promoting responsible behaviour among road users.
“These initiatives promote responsible road-user behaviour, including adherence to speed limits, seat-belt use, pedestrian safety, sober driving, and awareness of the dangers of distracted driving,” he said.
As the first half of the year draws to a close, the fund has called on Namibians to take greater personal responsibility on the roads.
Haufiku urged road users to make safer choices, saying this would help reverse the trend of crashes and fatalities.
“By making responsible choices every day, road users can help ensure that more families arrive safely at their destinations,” he said.
Last year, the MVA Fund recorded 2 960 crashes across the country between 1 January and 26 November, marking a 5% increase from the 2 822 accidents recorded in 2024.
The rise contributed to a significant 19% increase in fatalities, with 448 lives lost and 4 846 people injured.
The Khomas region carried the heaviest burden, accounting for 37% of all crashes nationwide, with 1 081 incidents recorded across its roads and communities.
Private vehicles were identified as the primary contributors, accounting for approximately 70% of crashes nationally.
