More than 1,700 people died in traffic accidents in 2022, a rise of 14 percent from the previous year, with more than 300 people prosecuted.

On January 30, at a meeting to evaluate road safety results for 2022 and work direction for 2023, National Road Safety Committee (NRSC) secretary-general, Min Manavy, said there were 22,976 road accidents in 2022, killing 1,709 people and injuring 4,026 others.

She said the main causes of the collisions include speeding, disregarding rights, overtaking, drunk driving, and sleepiness. Moreover, there were 3,054 of 4,403 motorcyclists who were not wearing helmets, most of whom were riding at night.

Most of the deaths were in Phnom Penh, Kandal, and Kampong Cham, she added.

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She said that 1,027 traffic accident cases were sent to court. Of those, 121 cases were resolved, 664 cases were being investigated, and 316 perpetrators have been charged.

Sar Kheng, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, said the accidents were caused by people who broke the law, lacked understanding and tolerance, and did not appear to value their’s or others' lives.

He said that the situation of road traffic accidents in 2022 requires an evaluation of positive and negative points to solve problems in a timely way. Moreover, it is to strengthen and increase the efficiency of road traffic safety this year.

“While preparing the new road traffic law, we must continue to enforce the law [current one],” he said. “And, continue to enforce the law to be more effective and sustainable in line with the geographical region where there are numerous accidents, while also paying attention to drunk drivers.”

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“It must enforce penalties strictly or refer them to court without exception,” he added.

From September 1 to December 31, 2022, 8,513 people, including 489 females, were punished and their diving license score was deducted through technological machine testing.