Cambodia Road Traffic Accident And Victim Information System Annual Report 2006

Abstracts...

The year 2006 saw the adoption by the national assembly of the new traffic law. This new traffic law is an
important milestone and its approval must be considered as a major step taken by the Government of Cambodia in its struggle against road safety issues.

In 2006 the NRSC and HIB have made official their collaboration by signing a cooperation agreement defining the implementation of specific aspects of the National Road Safety Action Plan.

The combination of these two major events gives a legal framework of intervention which will support the
implementation of actions aiming at reducing the impact of road traffic accidents: human behaviour is indeed by far the leading cause of road traffic accidents in Cambodia and awareness and education campaigns alone
are not sufficient to prevent them.

RTAVIS, in 2006, developed a national network of data collection, both with the traffic police and health
structures. GPS use by traffic police was piloted in Phnom Penh, traffic accidents are located accurately and
black spots can be mapped. The use of GPS will be extended in 2007.

The year 2007 will be also crucial since the recently approved law will have to be enforced. That will be done only through the implementation of a broad scope of actions which will address the problems at various levels. The collaboration of the whole of the actors will be required to achieve this objective.

Recommendation 1: Enforce the new land traffic law
The new land traffic law has been signed by the King February 8, 2007. The new law introduces key new
elements that are expected to have a strong impact on the road safety situation:
- Every motorcyclist using a motorbike from 49 cc need to have a driving license;
- Helmet wearing is compulsory for all 2-3 motorized wheelers drivers2;
- Fastening seatbelts is compulsory for all car front seat occupants;
- Blood alcohol concentration limit is provided;
- Fines and penalties are better detailed and adapted to the gravity of the infraction.

The new law will then need to be accompanied by several sub-decrees to describe the enforcement
mechanisms and their timing. A transition period, accompanied by effective awareness and education
campaigns, will be necessary.

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- RTAVIS 2006