The number of fatalities from traffic accidents during the Pchum Ben festival season was slightly lower this year, though injuries increased, according to a report from the National Police.

Twenty-four people were killed and 169 injured between October 3 and 5. During the same period in 2012, 26 people were killed, while 139 were injured.

Him Yan, director at the Department of Public Order at the National Police, said many injuries were mild.

“In some cases only slight injuries were sustained, and in other cases, the cars slid on the road, causing minor injuries,” he said.

Among the victims were nine pedestrians and 75 people riding motorbikes without helmets, he added.

Twenty-three cases involved speeding drivers, and 14 involved drunken drivers.

Most accidents occurred in Kampong Cham, Kampong Chhnang, Kampong Speu, Kampot, Kandal and Takeo provinces.