A total of 107 people were killed and 257 others injured — some of them seriously — in the 184 road traffic accidents that were recorded across Cambodia in March, according to a report from the Ministry of Interior.
The figures represented a notable decrease from, with 18 fewer accidents, 63 fewer deaths, and 160 fewer injuries recorded month-on-month.
Despite the decline, authorities continue to view road accidents as a serious challenge, particularly as recent incidents involving multiple fatalities in single crashes have raised fresh concerns.
At the forefront of the public eye is a case involving the son of a senior Battambang official, whose hundred-thousand-dollar high performance car was involved in a crash that claimed five lives, one of them a pregnant woman. The 20-year-old driver remained in hiding for several days following the crash, but has since handed himself into authorities.
Interior minister Sar Sokha urged all road users to remain vigilant and comply with traffic laws. His call came as authorities have been instructed to prioritise education over enforcement, except in cases involving drunk driving.
“Respecting traffic laws is not just about avoiding fines from authorities — it is a fundamental moral responsibility to protect one’s own life, the safety of one’s family and the wellbeing of society as a whole,” he stressed, on March 31.