Traffic Deaths Rising Steeply: Group
By Seng Ratana, VOA Khmer
Original re****t 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 re****t.
At least 125 people died and 576 were seriously injured in traffic
accidents nationwide in December 2007, Handicap International re****ted
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.
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