Traffic accidents reported by Phnom Penh's main hospitals in May resulted in 265

casualties, including 27 deaths, according to the monthly report of Cambodian Red

Cross and Handicap International.

The figures were provided by Calmette, Kossamak, Sihanouk and National Pediatric

hospitals, and the traffic police.

The report said only 11 percent of casualties had driving licenses; only 4.66 percent

of motorcycle/cycle casualties were wearing safety helmets; only 9 percent of victims

wore a seat belt; and 14 percent of the drivers were under the influence of alcohol.

Kao Vannarin, Injury Surveillance Technical Adviser for Handicap International Belgium,

said most of the victims were in breach of traffic law, especially those aged from

15 to 25.

"Cambodian traffic law is still not strict like other countries; in Cambodia,

I can continue riding or driving through the red light without getting punished,"

he said.

Other statistics from the report: Most of the accidents occurred on straight, paved

roads; 71 percent of victims were motorcycle riders (68 percent drivers, 32 percent

passengers) but only 2 percent were motodops; 69 percent were males aged from 15

to 30; 80 percent of victims suffered head injuries.