While child car seats are not required, they are recommended. To prevent carjacking and theft it is advisable to keep car doors locked and windows up. A valid U.S. driver's license is required for short-term visitors. Visitors intending to stay in Namibia for more than a few weeks should approach the American Automobile Association or the American Automobile Touring Alliance before their departure from the United States, in order to be issued an international driving permit. International driving permits cannot be issued to Americans once they arrive in Namibia.
Wildlife wandering on roads poses a special driving hazard in Namibia, especially at night.
An encounter at high speeds with antelope or cattle can be fatal. Many accidents on gravel roads occur when tourists exceed safe speeds on corners or in areas recently damaged by rains. The salt surfaced roads at the coast can also be deceptively dangerous, especially when they have been made slick by morning or evening mist. Most major roads are undivided with one lane in each direction. Drivers should remain alert for passing vehicles and exercise caution when passing slow moving vehicles.