Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Holiday road deaths ‘worrying’ despite slight drop in casualties

Holiday road deaths ‘worrying’ despite slight drop in casualties

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
An accident on Prek Pnov Bridge in Phnom Penh on September 13. Hong Menea

Holiday road deaths ‘worrying’ despite slight drop in casualties

The number of people killed on the Kingdom’s roads over the three days of the Pchum Ben holiday has been described as “worrying” despite the death toll being slightly down on last year.

Twenty-six people died and 80 were injured nationwide between Friday and Sunday – a decrease of two fatalities compared to last year – the National Police road traffic accident report said.

Deputy National Police chief Him Yan told The Post on Monday that two fewer people were killed in road accidents over Pchum Ben this year compared to the year before, while the number of injured was down by five.

Yan, who is also the secretary-general of the National Road Safety Committee, said the most accidents were recorded in Kandal, Kampong Cham, Kampot and Takeo provinces.

While the death toll was down on last year, where 28 people were killed, drivers continued to cause accidents by speeding and driving recklessly, he said.

The National Police said three trucks, 24 cars and 66 motorcycles were damaged in 52 reported traffic accidents.

Most were caused by speeding, drink driving and overtaking and turning dangerously, with drivers failing to respect the right of way and keeping to their lanes.

Kim Pagna, the country director of the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation, said the death toll on Cambodia’s roads this Pchum Ben break was still too many.

“The number of deaths is worrying despite it being down from last year’s figures. Twenty-six deaths during the three days of the Pchum Ben holiday equates to nine people being killed every day. And this does not include the many others who were injured,” Pagna said.

The measures employed by government institutions, civil society groups, the private sector and media to educate drivers, he said, had failed to significantly reduce the number of accidents.

“As the government uses educational methods to change driving habits, it should also prioritise strengthening equitable and transparent law enforcement. The number of deaths in traffic accidents would then be reduced as people’s attitudes change,” Pagna said.

As well as tightening law enforcement, the government should also introduce other measures such as improving road infrastructure and installing more traffic lights, he said.

Civil society groups also called for a ban on alcohol advertisements. If there is no blanket ban, they should at least be stopped during the main national holidays, Pagna said.

Meanwhile, Ey Sokha, the Preah Sihanouk provincial deputy police chief in charge of traffic, said three people were killed on Monday in a three-vehicle smash.

A taxi carrying seven passengers, including two young women, collided with a lorry transporting stone and another carrying sand while overtaking in Preah Sihanouk province’s Prey Nop district, Sokha said.

Police are yet to identify the dead, who were passengers in the taxi, he said.

The police report said the crash was caused when the 26-year-old driver of a Hyundai Starex minivan taxi travelling from Kampot to Preah Sihanouk province attempted to overtake the lorry in front of it, Sokha said.

The taxi hit a lorry travelling down the hill in the opposite direction. The two vehicles then smashed into the other truck.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the