Safer roads start with you
Yolanda NelWith more than 36 000 drivers randomly screened for driving while under the influence since August, a total of 288 arrests have already been made.
While 1 922 Government vehicles were part of the screening, ten drivers tested positive for alcohol consumption. At the same time the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) recorded close to 180 cases of traffic rule violations on the Western Bypass between 15 August and 25 October 2017, dishing out fines amounting to N$230 500.
“It is time to admit that the current system in place is not effective,” says Horst Heimstadt, coordinator of the Self-Regulating Alcohol Industry Forum (SAIF). According to him, cooperation between law enforcement and the jurisdictional system is not working. At the same time, the current NamPol traffic structure is not conducive to enforcing traffic laws.
While an overcrowded court is incapable of handling cases, there seems to be no repercussions for drivers committing offenses. “It starts with the transgression of small traffic laws, like not stopping at a street sign,” he explains.
Although there are regulations that should to be in place to ensure safer roads, Heimstadt says, “it starts with every single driver on the road who must make a commitment to follow the laws of the road.”
Some issues exacerbating the situation, are bad road conditions and minimum law enforcement.
“If we commit to be vigilant and drive with precaution, half the battle is won,” he says.
More than 625 people lost their lives on the roads this year, an increase of 9% compared to 2016.
The STAND Sober campaign, together with all its partners, are calling on all businesses and drivers to take a stand and pledge to make the road a safer place.
A march takes place on Sunday, 19 November from 16:00 at different junctions and crossroads in Windhoek to commemorate the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims. The walk takes place from the Independence Bridge on top of the Western Bypass and the Katutura police station to Hans Dietrich Genscher Street, the Katutura Swimming Pool and Hakahana Service Station to the open area just north of the Swapo head qauarters and B1 City Mall.
Although the Council of Churches will be holding prayers, the emphasis is on each road user in Namibia to acknowledge the fact that we can all can contribute to the current crisis on our roads. “Get involved, make banners and take a stand. Be the voice of those who can no longer be heard,” Heimstadt says.
The STAND Sober campaign continues to aim at screening 250 000 people in the first leg, with a heightened presence over the festive season to ensure that the number of road fatalities in the country can be prevented or drastically reduced.