Traffic Deaths Rising Steeply: Group

By Seng Ratana, VOA Khmer
Original report from Phnom Penh
14 March 2008

Traffic deaths, especially among the young, are increasing nationwide, government officials said this week, following the release of a new independent report.

At least 125 people died and 576 were seriously injured in traffic accidents nationwide in December 2007, Handicap International reported this week. This is a 32 percent increase compared to the same period in 2006, the group said.

Prime Minister Hun Sen said Thursday that traffic accidents were the second-most killer in Cambodia, next to HIV and AIDS.

Handicap International spokesman Sem Panhavuth said about 83 percent of the victims died because of head injuries. Of those who died, only four were wearing a helmet, he said.

The increase was due to the "human factor," rather than the road conditions or weather, he said, adding that most of the victims were men, and about 70 percent of the fatalities were in motorcycle crashes.

"They drive very fast when they are drunk, and don't obey the traffic laws," he said. "Especially the young, between 15 years and 29 years old."

Tem Proseur, director of the Phnom Penh traffic police, said that in in the capital only about 80 percent of motorcycle drivers wear helmets. In 2007, he said, Phnom Penh saw 260 deaths, 60 more than in 2006.

Most of the victims were students, Pen Khun, deputy director of Phnom Penh traffic police, said.

In order to decrease the traffic fatalities, the government has formed a traffic safety committee, which includes members from 20 ministries, said Chum Iek, secretary of state for the Ministry of Public Works.

The committee is working to advocate traffic safety to students, as well as strengthening law enforcement. The committee hopes to work with non-government agencies to educate people on traffic laws, he said.

People, Not Just Laws, Make Traffic Safer, Expert Says

Sok Khemara, VOA Khmer
Washington
08 October 2007

Police began enforcing a traffic law last month that has been on the books since February, but a traffic safety expert said Monday it wasn't just the law that mattered.

"I wish people would not think it's the role of traffic police alone," said Sann Socheata, a road safety program manager with Handicapped International Belgium. "In fact, when we speak about enforcing the traffic law, it's the role of people to participate too."

Cambodia's new traffic law, which requires motorcyclists to wear helmets and restricts drivers under the age of 16, was passed in February.

Still, traffic accidents lead to four deaths each day nationwide and 100 injuries.

Police say high speed and drinking are the main causes of accidents.

Individuals can help reduce the deaths and injuries, Sann Socheata said, as a guest on "Hello VOA."

"Participation in respect of the law can reduce traffic accidents," she said.

Students flag unruly motorists

By Kang Chan Amrak
Phnom Penh Post, Issue 16 / 20, October 5 - 18, 2007

With a new traffic law on the books, high-school students in green uniforms directing traffic were a common sight on main city boulevards during morning rush hour last week.

The students were part of a 10-day traffic safety program initiated by Deputy Prime Minister Sok An and organized by their schools in the wake of the new traffic law. The students received two days of training on the traffic law before going on duty.

The program was held to make people aware that the new law will be enforced as of Oct. 1 and also to give students the opportunity to be involved in a social project before the school term started, said Lak Sam Ath, the Secretary General of the National Association of Cambodian Scouts.

"Many citizens especially those from the countryside are not knowledgeable about the traffic law. They don't even know what actually causes the road accidents," said Sam Ath.

He said the scouts may do a similar program in Siem Reap or other busy cities in the future.

The scout's main duties were to raise red flags to halt traffic at pedestrian walks and to remind drivers to wear their helmets or seatbelts in accordance with the law. The law also prohibits talking on telephones while driving.

The students said most of the drivers respected the traffic law, but some high ranking officials and public servants - and foreigners - were difficult to deal with.

"The cars that drove fast and crossed the line mostly had RCAF plates," said Lim Tek Hour. "The foreigners driving embassy cars were even worse," he said.

"When I asked a man to fasten his seatbelt, he took off his pants belt and said 'yes, this is my seatbelt'," said Ny Vy Sona, an 11th grade student from Sisowath High School who was working at Preah Sihanouk Blvd. and Street 63.

Tek Hour, also from Sisowath High, said some drivers just looked at him and laughed.

"Some drivers intentionally crossed the pedestrian line in order to test how I was going to react."

Despite the difficulties, they said the duty was interesting.

"I think this work is successful, and I am happy that people listened to what we asked them to do," said student Nov Tam.

The students received 8,000 riel per day. Their reports will be filed with the ministry.