Temporal and Demographic Analysis of Fatal and Serious Injury Road Crashes among Drivers in Namibia

Abstract:

Road traffic crashes are a global concern, disproportionately affecting developing countries. Namibia, with a road fatality rate exceeding regional averages, faces significant economic and social losses due to FSI crashes. This study examined fatal and serious injury (FSI) crashes on Namibian’s national rural roads from 2012 to 2016 to identify trends and correlations with temporal and demographic factors. Univariate and bivariate analyses were conducted using data from the National Road Safety Council, with post-hoc tests revealing significant differences across variables. The average driver age was 28, with males at a significantly higher risk, particularly those ages 21 to 35. The temporal analysis revealed higher crash occurrences during peak traffic hours, weekends, holidays, the second week after pay week, holiday months (April-May, August and December), and the first and third quarters of the year. These findings indicate a substantial negative impact on economic development due to the high rate of serious injuries and fatalities among young and adult drivers. The study highlights the need for targeted, data-driven interventions to enhance road safety, recommending stricter traffic regulations during high-risk periods, public awareness campaigns focused on young male drivers, and improved road infrastructure in identified hotspots.

• Periodical: Engineering Headway (Volume 28)
• Pages: 25-35
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-S97sFL
• Online since: November 2025
• Authors: Robert Ambunda, Mansueta Neliwa*
• Keywords: Demographic Factors, Namibia, Post-Hoc Tests, Road Crash, Road Safety

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