In a call to action, the National Road Safety Council of Namibia (NRSC) has launched a transformative campaign aimed at eradicating road fatalities and injuries.

During the annual Directors Conference held in Swakopmund, Council Chairman Eliphas !Owos-Ôab outlined a comprehensive strategy designed to instil a culture of safety from early childhood.

The strategy begins in the classroom, where road safety will be integrated into the curriculum from pre-primary through Grade 7, empowering children to become safety ambassadors in their homes and communities. 

"Consider the impact of early education. When children learn the basics of road safety—how to cross the street, the importance of seatbelts, and the dangers of distracted walking or cycling—they internalise these lessons for life. They become advocates, reminding their peers, siblings, and even parents about safe practices. This ripple effect extends far beyond the classroom, influencing entire communities. Moreover, road safety education fosters critical thinking and decision-making skills," said !Owos-Ôab.

He warned that the consequences of inaction could be severe, noting that Africa remains one of the regions most affected by road traffic fatalities.

"The latest Road Safety Status Report of the Sub-Saharan Africa Transport Programme paints a sobering picture. Road traffic injuries are a leading cause of death among young people, robbing us of our most valuable resource—our future. The economic burden is staggering, with lost productivity, increased healthcare costs, and long-term disability placing immense strain on families and societies. Pedestrians, cyclists, and users of two- and three-wheeled vehicles are particularly vulnerable, accounting for more than half of all fatalities. These are the very people we seek to protect through education and infrastructure improvements."