MVA Fund urges caution amid heavy rains
Caution saves lives, motorists told
Driving through moving water is highly dangerous and can lead to loss of vehicle control, MVA Fund warns as more deaths are reported.
The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund has issued a strong warning to motorists to exercise caution as heavy rains continue to lash various regions across Namibia, creating hazardous driving conditions.
The warning follows reports of several fatal accidents caused by wet and slippery roads, as well as motorists attempting to cross flooded areas.
In a statement issued yesterday, MVA Fund's manager for corporate communication and stakeholder relations, Hilaria Graig, emphasised the dangers of driving through waterlogged roads and overflowing rivers.
“Driving through moving water is highly dangerous and can lead to loss of vehicle control due to the strength of the water current, engine failure, or being swept away by flowing waters,” she stated.
The fund further urged motorists to avoid crossing even shallow streams, as they can be stronger than they appear. “In such instances, motorists should rather turn around and find a safer alternative route,” MVA CEO Rosalia Martins-Hausiku is quoted as saying.
Additional safety recommendations include reducing speed on wet roads, maintaining a safe following distance, using headlights in low visibility, staying alert, and avoiding distractions while driving. “Caution saves lives,” Graig stressed.
The warning comes in the wake of recent heavy rain-related deaths reported across the country. In Windhoek alone, two lives have been lost this year due to flash floods.
The fund reminded the public that in the event of a road crash, emergency services can be reached by dialing the toll-free Accident Response number 9682. “Calling this number ensures emergency services are sent to the scene as quickly as possible to assist and save lives,” the statement noted.
With the heavy rains expected to continue, the fund is urging all road users to prioritise safety, avoid unnecessary risks, and never underestimate the power of moving water.
The warning follows reports of several fatal accidents caused by wet and slippery roads, as well as motorists attempting to cross flooded areas.
In a statement issued yesterday, MVA Fund's manager for corporate communication and stakeholder relations, Hilaria Graig, emphasised the dangers of driving through waterlogged roads and overflowing rivers.
“Driving through moving water is highly dangerous and can lead to loss of vehicle control due to the strength of the water current, engine failure, or being swept away by flowing waters,” she stated.
The fund further urged motorists to avoid crossing even shallow streams, as they can be stronger than they appear. “In such instances, motorists should rather turn around and find a safer alternative route,” MVA CEO Rosalia Martins-Hausiku is quoted as saying.
Additional safety recommendations include reducing speed on wet roads, maintaining a safe following distance, using headlights in low visibility, staying alert, and avoiding distractions while driving. “Caution saves lives,” Graig stressed.
The warning comes in the wake of recent heavy rain-related deaths reported across the country. In Windhoek alone, two lives have been lost this year due to flash floods.
The fund reminded the public that in the event of a road crash, emergency services can be reached by dialing the toll-free Accident Response number 9682. “Calling this number ensures emergency services are sent to the scene as quickly as possible to assist and save lives,” the statement noted.
With the heavy rains expected to continue, the fund is urging all road users to prioritise safety, avoid unnecessary risks, and never underestimate the power of moving water.
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Namibian Sun
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