MVA sounds alarm over 229 road deaths over 6 months
The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has called for an urgent change in road-user behaviour after 229 people lost their lives in road crashes across Namibia during the first six months of 2026.
While the latest statistics indicate an improvement compared to the same period last year, the Fund warned that the human cost of road crashes remains unacceptably high and continues to have devastating consequences for families and communities.
According to figures covering the period from 1 January to 21 June 2026, a total of 1 333 crashes were recorded nationwide, resulting in 2 273 injuries and 229 fatalities.
Compared to the corresponding period in 2025, crashes declined by 11% from 1,500, injuries decreased by 9% from 2,486, and fatalities dropped by 6% from 243.
Despite the downward trend, the Fund said the figures remain a cause for serious concern. “As we reach the halfway mark of the year, the statistics show that progress is possible, but they also remind us that far too many lives are still lost on our roads,” said MVA Fund chief corporate affairs officer John Haufiku.
“Every crash prevented spares a family from tragedy. Every life saved is a victory for Namibia. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement or road safety institutions; it is a shared responsibility that requires a change in behaviour among all road users.”
The latest weekly report, covering the period from 15 to 21 June, recorded 45 crashes, 84 injuries, and eight fatalities. Although these figures compare favourably with previous years, the Fund noted that the loss of eight lives in a single week underscores the persistent dangers on the country's roads.
Particularly troubling is the continued vulnerability of pedestrians. Between January and 21 June, Namibia recorded 489 pedestrian-related crashes, resulting in 203 injuries and 37 deaths.
The Fund said the figures highlight the significant risks faced by pedestrians, who remain among the most exposed road users.
Young adults also continue to bear a disproportionate share of the burden. During the reporting week, people aged between 25 and 29 recorded both the highest number of fatalities and the highest number of injuries.
Regionally, Khomas remained the country's crash hotspot, recording 493 crashes so far this year. It was followed by Erongo with 171 crashes and Otjozondjupa with 130.
While some regions have shown signs of improvement, the Fund stressed that road safety remains a national challenge requiring a collective response. To address the problem, the MVA Fund has intensified road-safety awareness campaigns across the country through community outreach programmes, school engagements, stakeholder partnerships and public education initiatives.
The campaigns focus on promoting adherence to speed limits, seatbelt use, pedestrian safety, sober driving, vehicle roadworthiness, and awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving. “The statistics show that progress is possible, but they also remind us that far too many lives are still lost on our roads,” Haufiku said.
With the first half of the year drawing to a close, the Fund urged motorists, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians alike to recommit themselves to safer road use. “The Fund believes that lasting improvements in road safety can only be achieved when every road user recognises that their decisions behind the wheel, on a motorcycle, on a bicycle, or as a pedestrian have consequences that extend beyond themselves,” Haufiku said.
He added that responsible decisions by all road users are essential if Namibia is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities and ensure more people arrive safely at their destinations.
