The rates of road traffic casualties in Cambodia in 2022 increased by more than 20 per cent compared to the previous year, according to data from the National Police.

“This year saw 2,994 traffic road accidents nationwide, resulting in 1,739 deaths and 4,045 serious and minor injuries. This figure is an increase of 324 cases, with 242 more deaths and 430 more injuries than in 2021,” the data showed.

Phnom Penh had the highest number of accidents at 899, with 267 killed and 1,228 injured, followed by Kandal province with 157 deaths and 257 injuries in 206 accidents. Preah Sihanouk province had 196 traffic accidents, with 122 deaths and 216 injuries.

In a survey report recently released by the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC), 79 per cent of the people who died were on motorcycles – 74 per cent of them without helmets.

The report found that there were three main factors that contributed to the traffic accidents, including human, vehicle and road factors.

It highlighted that most accidents were caused by human factors such as speeding, failure to keep right, disobeying traffic lights and signs, and driving under the influence.

“Road accidents have many tragic consequences on society and have a negative effect on the government’s poverty reduction policy. These tragedies will continue to happen if road users fail to respect the law – and each other’s lives,” it added.

Sar Kheng, Minister of Interior and chairman of the NRSC, called on all relevant units to increase traffic law enforcement measures in a transparent manner to reduce the number of accident and victims and keep traffic offences to the minimum.

He urged them to increase public education and ensure all road users are aware of their responsibilities to each other. In particular, closer attention must be paid to increasing the capacity of law enforcement officers, so that they can carry out their duties in a transparent, efficient and ethical manner.