Hun Sen Warns of Strict Helmet Policy
The prime minister called the high number of traffic deaths a ‘disaster’ facing Cambodians. (22 December 2008)
Prime Minister Hun Sen on Monday called on motorcycle ridersto wear helmets “100 percent” to avoid the hundreds of traffic fatalities thatoccur each year. “If you want to drive your motorcycle without a fine, youmust wear your helmet from now on,” he said during a graduate student ceremonyin Phnom Penh, “to protect your life and to avoid road accidents as well asproperty damage.” More the 1,500 people were reported killed in trafficaccidents in 2007, nearly double the number in 2003. An Asian Development Banksurvey in 2003 counted 824 dead in road accidents, estimating a $116 millioncost to the country. “The traffic law will be fully implemented and fined fromJan. 1, 2009, because the road accidents causes the loss of human life more andmore,” Hun Sen said, calling traffic fatalities a “bigger disaster” than AIDS andland mines. The prime minister also called on civil servants, police andcommune and village leaders to wear helmets as an example, while urging helmetvendors to keep prices low. Travel on Cambodian roadways without a helmet is punishableby a 3,000 riel, or $0.70, fine. By contrast, a helmet can cost between $10 and$20. Meas Chan Dy, coordinator for helmet safety at HandicapInternational Belgium, called helmets “a very good measure for reducing roadaccidents,” and he urged strong implementation of all traffic laws for allvehicles. Brig. Gen. Tho Khan, director of traffic order for theMinistry of Interior, said Monday police would strengthen the traffic law “withefficiency and effectiveness.” “More importantly, we must introduce people to understandingthe law and help protect their lives and property,” he said.