Cambodia’s Deputy PM Sounds Alarm Over Rising Traffic Fatalities

KAMPOT, June 16, 2026 (KPT) – Road traffic accidents in Cambodia rose in the first five months of 2026, prompting fresh calls from authorities for stricter compliance with traffic laws and safer driving behaviour.

Speaking at the opening of the 17th National Road Traffic Safety Week in Kampot Province on June 15, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sar Sokha warned that accidents remain a serious concern despite ongoing awareness campaigns and enforcement measures.

Addressing around 1,000 participants, including officials, teachers, students and private-sector representatives, Sokha urged civil servants to set an example by respecting traffic laws.

He noted that crashes had increased compared with the same period last year, causing deaths, injuries and heavy social and economic burdens.

As chairman of the National Road Safety Committee, Sokha appealed to motorists, transport operators and stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to reducing fatalities.

He outlined 11 recommendations, including obeying speed limits, avoiding drink- and drug-impaired driving, wearing helmets and seatbelts, maintaining vehicles properly and showing patience and courtesy on the roads.

Official data showed speeding was the leading cause of accidents nationwide in the first five months of 2026, accounting for 46% of cases. Failure to yield the right of way made up 22%, while driving on the wrong side of the road accounted for 12%.

Other causes included unsafe overtaking (7%), improper turning (5%), drink-driving (4%), traffic signal violations (2%), drowsy driving (1%) and vehicle defects (1%).

In Kampot Province alone, authorities recorded 31 accidents in the first half of the year, resulting in 17 deaths – including three women – and 54 injuries, among them 19 women.

The annual National Road Traffic Safety Week aims to raise public awareness and promote compliance with traffic laws as Cambodia steps up efforts to curb accidents and fatalities nationwide.