Africa-Press – Namibia. THE Oshana Regional Police is striving to reduce the road fatality rate by at least 4% by increasing traffic visibility on national roads and the level of compliance to traffic rules.
Oshana Police boss, Commissioner Rauha Amwele, said as Namibians are embarking on the festive season, traffic on public roads, especially those leading to the north, is expected to drastically increase, which often also means more road accidents.
Therefore starting next month all the way to January next year, said Amwele, the Oshana police will ensure complete visibility on the roads. Speaking at the Akuniihole Community Safety Marshall Launch held on Monday, Amwele further indicated that officers will be conducting traffic patrols, especially in areas that are susceptible to accidents road.
She added that random breathalyzer and blood testing will also be done when drivers are suspected of drunk driving. “We will be increasing traffic law enforcement operations to influence compliance by drivers and pedestrians alike. Electronic speed measuring equipment will also be set up along the roads, both inside and outside of urban areas, to ensure that drivers on the national road comply with stipulated speeds,” she said.
She said the Oshana Police will also carry out traffic awareness campaigns at schools close to roads to educate learners about the correct way of crossing the road when going to school and back home.
Amwele urged members of the public in the region to continue working together with the Namibian Police to prevent road accidents. Speaking at the same occasion, Oshana Regional education, Deputy Director Hilma Nuunyango-George, said road safety is one of the themes in the revised basic education curriculum.
Nuunyango-George said as many as nine people in the area, including five learners, sadly lost their lives due to road accidents. Nuunyango-George added that it is traumatising to other learners, especially those who witness the accidents.
