The number of traffic accidents involving workers is down 28 per cent in the first six months of 2016 compared to the same period last year, the Ministry of Labour’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) reported yesterday.

Accidents for 2016 through June totalled 2,259, with 2,849 deaths and injuries. This compares to 3,122 accidents and 3,427 casualties a year ago.

In addition to decreased accidents, figures across the NSSF’s three categories of casualties showed declines as well, noted NSSF spokesperson Cheav Bunrith. Deaths dropped 40 per cent, from 70 to 42, over the same period, while serious injuries tumbled 20 per cent to 412, and light injuries declined 16 per cent to 2,395.

Moto accidents were the most common, with 1,591 cases and 29 deaths between January and June, followed by 371 car accidents accounting for seven deaths.

Other transit means – including the trucks that account for most high-profile worker crashes – showed 297 cases and six deaths, though the Post itself has reported on at least nine such fatalities during the same period.

Speeding caused nearly half of all incidents, and driving while drunk led to about 12 per cent.

“If the statistics are real, it shows a positive enforcement of the new Traffic Law, and it is a result we should pay attention to,” said Ear Chariya, president of the Road Safety Institute.

“But the number of dead and injuries is still high.”

Chariya recommended continued education and stricter law enforcement in order reduce accidents and casualties further.