Easter campaign still reaping rewards

NOT a single person has died on Namibia’s national roads since the end of the Easter weekend, Transport Minister Joel Kaapanda said yesterday.

This is seen as proof of the success of the Xupifa Eemwyeno road safety pilot project launched just before the Easter weekend. But judging by the number of traffic violations last week, the improved safety record is not due to exemplary behaviour on the part of drivers.Altogether 1 574 drivers were charged with road contraventions between last Tuesday and Sunday, out of a total 4 655 vehicles stopped and inspected during this time.This represents a non-compliance percentage of 34 per cent.Twenty-four accidents were reported during this period, and one person was seriously injured, according to statistics provided by the Minister.Kaapanda said this represented a reduction of 98 per cent compared to an average of 42 serious injuries during the same period in 2005 and 2006.”Once again I am pleased to report that we have recorded a significant success in terms of reducing road traffic accidents, and ensuring that no lives were lost on our roads during the period under review,” Kaapanda said.”(However) Namibia will never be proud of having safe roads if we allow ill-disciplined drivers and unroadworthy vehicles on our roads.The time has come for us to loudly say we want better drivers, we want safer vehicles, we want safer pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.Speeding motorists accounted for most traffic tickets issued over the period, with 350 notices issued for this offence countrywide.Nobody was caught driving under the influence of alcohol.Other statistics showed that 145 drivers were caught without drivers’ licences, 150 were issued tickets for offences related to vehicle fitness and 231 people weren’t wearing their safety belts when the authorities caught up with them.In addition, five offenders were arrested for overloading.The total, written notice fines issued with regard to traffic violations last week amounts to N$373 750.All 24 accidents that occurred over the period happened in rural areas, statistics show.But judging by the number of traffic violations last week, the improved safety record is not due to exemplary behaviour on the part of drivers.Altogether 1 574 drivers were charged with road contraventions between last Tuesday and Sunday, out of a total 4 655 vehicles stopped and inspected during this time.This represents a non-compliance percentage of 34 per cent.Twenty-four accidents were reported during this period, and one person was seriously injured, according to statistics provided by the Minister.Kaapanda said this represented a reduction of 98 per cent compared to an average of 42 serious injuries during the same period in 2005 and 2006.”Once again I am pleased to report that we have recorded a significant success in terms of reducing road traffic accidents, and ensuring that no lives were lost on our roads during the period under review,” Kaapanda said.”(However) Namibia will never be proud of having safe roads if we allow ill-disciplined drivers and unroadworthy vehicles on our roads.The time has come for us to loudly say we want better drivers, we want safer vehicles, we want safer pedestrians and cyclists,” he said.Speeding motorists accounted for most traffic tickets issued over the period, with 350 notices issued for this offence countrywide.Nobody was caught driving under the influence of alcohol.Other statistics showed that 145 drivers were caught without drivers’ licences, 150 were issued tickets for offences related to vehicle fitness and 231 people weren’t wearing their safety belts when the authorities caught up with them. In addition, five offenders were arrested for overloading.The total, written notice fines issued with regard to traffic violations last week amounts to N$373 750.All 24 accidents that occurred over the period happened in rural areas, statistics show.