Release on 11 May 2011

On 11 May, many of countries around the world kick off the first global Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020. The Decade seeks to prevent road traffic deaths and injuries which experts project will take the lives of 1.9 million[1] people annually by 2020. To mark the launch of the Decade, governments in many countries, including Cambodia, will host high-profile event and express their commitment to the Decade of Action for Road Safety aiming to improve road safety in general and services for road crash victims.

Road safety is a huge concern in Cambodia. The number of road crashes, fatalities and disabilities are alarming. Over the last five years, the number of fatalities has almost doubled.  Road crashes disproportionately affect the most vulnerable people in traffic. More than 70% of fatalities are motorbike riders and almost 20% are pedestrians and bicyclists. Road crashes in 2010 had an enormous impact on the social and economic welfare of Cambodia with an estimated annual cost of 279 million USD[2], an increase of 13% compared to 2009.

To counteract the growing trends in crashes and casualties, the Royal Government of Cambodia has highlighted road safety as a key national challenge.   Since the beginning of this year, with the support from all road safety partners, Cambodia has developed the 2011-2010 National Road Safety Action Plan, which is aligned to the Global Decade of Action for Road Safety.  The action plan consists of 7 Pillars: (1) Road safety management; (2) Infrastructure; (3) Safe Vehicles; (4) Safe Road User Behavior; (5) Post-Crash Care; (6) Traffic Law Legislation and Enforcement; and (7) Driver Licensing. This action is currently in the process to seek official approval from the government.

Cambodia has committed to reach a national target of reducing road crash fatalities by 30% in 2020. To reach that goal, the country’s interventions will focus on the main risk factors of helmet wearing, speeding and drink-driving over the coming Decade.  This is a historical milestone demonstrating the Cambodian government’s commitment to road safety and its contribution towards the United Nations decade of action.

Together, we aim to save 4, 700 lives in Cambodia in the next 10 years. 

Road Safety in Cambodia web site:
http://www.roadsafetycambodia.info

 Media contact:
Ms. Men Chansokol
Chief of National and International Relations,
General Secretariat of the National Road Safety Committee (NRSC),
Telephone: 023 882 610,
 Mobile: 077 777 795,
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it