PHNOM PENH —
Better laws and enforcement that require motorbike riders and children to wear helmets could save more than 500 lives and $100 million over the next six years, a new study says.
The study, undertaken by the Asian Injury Prevention Foundation, says a new law now being drafted by the government’s National Road Safety Committee, could help drop the death rate and save the government money.
An estimated five people die each day on Cambodian roads, making them a dangerous place for drivers and passengers alike. Nearly 2,000 people died and more than 6,000 were injured in road accidents in 2013 alone. A great majority of those were motorcycle riders.
Kim Panha, AIP’s country director for Cambodia, told reporters Wednesday that the new draft laws, including provisions for stricter helmet use, could reduce road fatalities and save millions of dollars.
The new law is currently in the draft stage, but So Pisey, a representative of the National Road Safety Committee, said it will be sent to the Council of Ministers “soon” for approval.
The study, undertaken by the Asian Injury Prevention Foundation, says a new law now being drafted by the government’s National Road Safety Committee, could help drop the death rate and save the government money.
An estimated five people die each day on Cambodian roads, making them a dangerous place for drivers and passengers alike. Nearly 2,000 people died and more than 6,000 were injured in road accidents in 2013 alone. A great majority of those were motorcycle riders.
Kim Panha, AIP’s country director for Cambodia, told reporters Wednesday that the new draft laws, including provisions for stricter helmet use, could reduce road fatalities and save millions of dollars.
The new law is currently in the draft stage, but So Pisey, a representative of the National Road Safety Committee, said it will be sent to the Council of Ministers “soon” for approval.
