PHNOM PENH: In 2022, a total of 2,976 traffic accidents occurred, increasing an increase of 306 accidents, equivalent to 11%, from 2021. The number of fatalities also increased by 212 cases, equal to 14%, and the number of injuries increased by 411 cases, equal to 11%, from the previous year.

Secretary of State for the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of the National Road Safety Committee, Mern Manavy, said that in 2022, there were a total of 2,976 traffic accidents, killing 1,709 people and injuring 4,026. Of these cases, 2,579 were seriously injured, while most of the deaths occurred in Phnom Penh, followed by Kandal province and Kampong Cham province.

The Secretary of State outlined that the main causes of accidents were speeding, disrespecting the right of way, driving on the wrong side, overtaking, driving under the influence and drowsiness.

From the total number of accidents, 4,403 involved motorcycles and 3,054 were not wearing helmets (most victims not wearing helmets were recorded at night). In addition, 57% of traffic accidents occurred at night, resulting in 57 fatalities, and 54% of all injuries.

The Minister of Interior, DPM Sar Kheng, said that traffic accidents have caused many tragedies, such as injuries, disabilities, and loss of property, which are additional obstacles to the implementation of the government's poverty reduction policy. He called for personal drivers and the private transport sector to be more active in ensuring road safety.

It should be noted that in 2021, there were 2,670 traffic accidents, resulting in 1,497 deaths, a decrease from the 167 deaths recorded in 2020.