26/04/2024
Cautionary note:
Personally, I have driven the C14 route between Walvis Bay and Solitaire numerous times, but never did I encounter such high traffic volumes, especially tourists.
Obviously, Namibia is very thankful for all the visitors to our beautiful country, but however, I must raise a few concerns. Please take note that it is not only the tourists that are at fault here.
Corcerns:
▪︎ failure to drive with the headlights on, especially considering the dusty road conditions and the dust that takes some to settle
▪︎ driving in convoy format
▪︎ not maintaining a safe following distance - in dusty conditions with poor visibility, maintain a 200 to 300 meters following distance at least.
▪︎ DON'T DRIVE IN CONVOY FORMAT - maintain a safe following distance and NEVER drive in the dust trail of the vehicle ahead of you
▪︎ vehicles moving across the centre of the road to avoid driving in the dust-trail of the vehicle in front
▪︎ driving on the wrong side of the road (because of road conditions), especially at an approaching blind crest or rise
▪︎ parking on the wrong side of the road at a blind crest or rise (to take a photo or to take a break)
▪︎ speeding
▪︎ overspeeding - driving too fast considering road conditions. Even though the speed limit is normally 💯 km/h on gravel roads, reducing speed at the bad sections is advised
▪︎ overtaking on the left and in adverse conditions e.g. dust
▪︎ vehicles drifting - this might be because of overspeeding, incorrect tyre pressures, inexperience, road conditions, etc.
▪︎ driving too close to the centre of the road even with a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction and even driving too close to the edge of the road, which is normally characterised by loose sand & stone or a sandbank
▪︎ both hands must remain on the steering wheel all times & ensure a firm grip and keep the feet off the dashboard
▪︎ wear a safety belt at all times - in an adverse event, the chances of being catapulted from an overturning vehicle is so much higher, and do I need to say that the consequences might be fatal should you be catapulted from an overturning vehicle.
This being said, always consider the vast distances between towns and the limited means of communication. Also, activating emergency service in an adverse event or episode might prove to be very challenging. Thus, we propagate that PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE !!!
Enjoy the beauty Namibia has to offer, but PLEASE consider all road safety aspects.
Written by:
Aubrey Oosthuizen
Co-ordinator - West Coast Safety Initiative
Advanced Life Support Paramedic and co-owner Code Red Medical Services
