WINDHOEK, Namibia, July, 2017— The National Road Safety Council of Namibia in collaboration with The Global Road Safety Partnership (GRSP) launched the Namibian Road Safety Initiative.
As part of this initiative, the GRSP, Namibia Logistics Association, Namibia Transporters’ Association and the Namibia Red Cross Society will launch a targeted road safety intervention for the commercial vehicle sector in Namibia.
The initiative, supported by FedEx Corp, aims to create awareness about safe road practices, with the overall objective to reduce the number of vehicle accidents and incidents involving commercial vehicles.
More than 700 people lost their lives in accidents across Namibia in 2016. Accident statistics recorded by the Namibian Police Force (NamPol)’s Traffic Division between January and December 2016 show that 722 fatalities were reported¹.
According to the World Health Organization’s road traffic injuries factsheet, around 1.25 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, with 90% of the world’s fatalities on the roads occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Road traffic injury death rates are highest in the African region².
“There are small habits that motorists can adopt to help remain safe on the roads,” said The Hon. Alpheus Naruseb, Minister of Works and Transport Namibia. “However, business and government should work together to address some of the challenges faced when raising awareness on road safety initiatives. The need for public-private collaboration is essential, not only for improving road infrastructure, but also for educating drivers and road users.”
Pieter Venter, regional manager Africa, GRSP, said, “The Global Road Safety Partnership aims to reduce death and serious injuries as a result of road crashes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Experience shows us that engaging and collaborating with stakeholders across all levels brings about a change in practices, success and commitment to establish a safety culture. We are therefore looking forward to working with private and public sector organizations in Namibia.”
Mike Higley, Vice president, FedEx Express Southern Africa, said, “With more than 150,000 motorized vehicles on the road in more than 220 countries and territories around the globe, FedEx is an ideal source of knowledge and support for safe driving. ‘ Safety Above All’ is a core FedEx belief, and the reason why we support this and similar initiatives that promote road safety in communities across the globe. We wish all the organizations involved success in educating drivers about safe road habits and practices.”
The Global Road Safety Partnership is a hosted program of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and is a voluntary association of governments, businesses and civil society organizations.
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $60 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world’s most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 400,000 team members to remain “absolutely, positively” focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities.
