Staff Reporter
THE Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has raised concern over the alarming rise in pedestrian-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities across the country this year.
According to Rosalia Martins-Hausiku, Chief Executive Officer of the MVA Fund, pedestrian-related crashes have increased from 435 to 501, injuries from 406 to 464, and fatalities from 60 to 87 compared to the same period in 2024.
“Among the 87 lives lost this year were toddlers, school children, elderly citizens, and working adults simply trying to cross a road, return home, or start their day,” she said.
Martins-Hausiku revealed that children aged 0 to 14 accounted for 109 (23%) of all pedestrian injuries and 16 (18%) of the fatalities, underscoring their heightened vulnerability on Namibian roads. Elderly citizens were also identified as a high-risk group, with individuals aged 50 to 65 making up 55 (12%) of pedestrian injuries and 13 fatalities.
She pointed out that the Khomas Region remains the epicentre of pedestrian harm, recording nearly half of all incidents: 226 (45%) of crashes, 226 (49%) of injuries, and 16 (18%) of all fatalities reported to date. In contrast, the Kunene Region recorded the lowest figures, with only four crashes and two fatalities.
Highlighting time-of-day data, Martins-Hausiku noted that more than half of all fatalities (51%) occurred during evening hours (18h00–23h59), often in poorly lit areas or during peak traffic periods when pedestrian visibility is reduced. She also observed a significant increase in crashes and injuries during late-night and early-morning hours (02h00–03h59), which more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
“We cannot normalise these numbers. We are seeing entire communities living with the pain of preventable loss. Every driver, policymaker, city planner, and citizen have a role to play in turning this tide,” Martins-Hausiku said.
To curb crashes, injuries, and fatalities, she said the MVA Fund is intensifying road safety education campaigns, particularly targeting schools, taxi ranks, and community centres in high-risk regions such as Khomas, Oshikoto, and Zambezi.
She urged all road users—especially drivers—to slow down, remain vigilant, and always give pedestrians the right of way. Parents were also encouraged to educate their children about road safety and accompany them where possible.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. Photo: MVA Fund
