Namibian roads are not designed to safely handle the high speeds modern vehicles can reach, Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund CEO Rosalia Haufiku warned during a press briefing last week.
Haufiku said while some vehicles are capable of reaching speeds of 200–300 km/h, Namibia’s road infrastructure lacks safety features designed to absorb the impact of accidents at such speeds.
“Even if a car can go 200 or 300 kilometres per hour, the roads here do not offer a forgiving environment,” she noted, pointing to countries such as Germany and Australia where road design includes features intended to reduce the severity of crashes.
She cited the Western Bypass in Windhoek as an example of how road environments can change over time. When the road was initially built, it ran through open bushland and had a speed limit of 120 km/h.
However, Haufiku said residential developments have since expanded along the route, increasing pedestrian activity, including children crossing the road.
The MVA Fund was among stakeholders that advocated for the speed limit on parts of the road to be reduced to improve safety, she said.
Haufiku said high speeds become even more dangerous when conditions change suddenly, such as during rain or when animals cross the road at dusk. In such situations, drivers must be able to react quickly to avoid crashes.
Data-driven change
The MVA Fund relies on crash statistics and injury data to support its advocacy for safer road policies. Haufiku said the organisation regularly shares this data with authorities to highlight problem areas and push for interventions.
She recalled previous incidents used to illustrate the risks, including the death of a first-year student who was struck while trying to cross a busy road.
Haufiku also touched on speed-governing technology in vehicles. The MVA Fund previously installed devices limiting speeds to 120 km/h in its fleet, but later removed them after the system created safety concerns during overtaking situations.
She said while vehicle technology continues to evolve, Namibia’s road infrastructure and driving conditions require motorists to adjust their speed and remain cautious.
“The reality is our roads and environment are different,” she said, stressing that driver behaviour remains a critical factor in preventing crashes.
phillipus@nmh-hub.com.na
