One of the newly-recruited master trainers negotiates a course of road cones at the transport ministry’s driving school. AIP
The AIP Foundation is working with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport to provide training to some 100 master trainers from several garment factories to allow them to teach safe motorcycle handling techniques, which will be shared among other workers to reduce traffic accidents.
Im Piseth, program manager of the AIP Foundation, said 65 master teachers have been recruited at 13 partnered garment factories in Phnom Penh, as well as Kandal, Kampong Speu, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Cham and Takeo provinces. The rest of the trainers come from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), who it has partnered with, and AIP itself.
After receiving the training, those recruited from within the factories will instruct their fellow workers.
Piseth explained that during the training sessions, the master trainers learn lessons about traffic law – especially related to motorcycles – traffic signs, fines, motorcycle inspection, motorcycle driving risks and safe driving.
They are also trained in handling techniques, first aid and how to prepare and deliver lessons to their fellow motorcyclists.
“Among road users, motorcyclists represent most of the victims killed and injured in road accidents. The training of master trainers has benefits to other garment factory workers,” said Piseth, adding that the master trainers gain knowledge of safe motorcycling and handling skills, as well as responsible driver behaviour.
“The project is expected to extend to all motorcyclists in the future,” he continued.
The first 3-day training, for 25 master trainers, was held from May 15-17 at the Ministry’s driving school. Other groups will be trained in the future.
Last year, 3,317 road accidents were recorded, with 1,590 deaths and 4,515 injuries. Of the fatalities, 80 percent were motorcyclists, with 69 per cent of them not wearing helmets.
Chan Khan, one of the master trainers from QMI factory in Kandal’s Ang Snuol district, explained that before taking part, each trainer must pass a driving test and obtain a driving license from the Department of Public Works and Transport
“The project is really good and the training is very important to us. The participants gain knowledge of traffic law, such as who has the right-of-way, and safe techniques for driving motorcycles. These skills will help to reduce traffic congestion, road accidents and fatalities,” he said.
Khan added that he has already made a plan to teach other workers at the factory and has submitted it to his employer. Once it is approved, he will organise training for the more-than-300 of the 2,000 workers at his factory who commute on motorcycles.
According to Touch Sokhak, spokesman for the Ministry of Interior, there were 781 road accidents in the first three months of 2024, resulting in the deaths of 387 people and injuring an additional 1,084. Unfortunately, the number of recorded cashes has not decreased compared to the same period last year.
