THE Centre for National Culture and Social Morality, a local NGO, is to distribute 15,000 books in the run-up to the Khmer New Year, offering educational tips on staying safe on the Kingdom's roads during the hectic holiday period.

The Phnom Penh Traffic Police and Handicap International Belgium are also supporting the project.

Some 750 volunteers from universities and high schools will take part in the distribution process, which will target drivers at the Russian Market, Chbar Ampov Market and along Phnom Penh's major roads.

According to Handicap International Belgium, there were 1,287 injuries and 79 fatalities from traffic accidents last Khmer New Year.

"Even though these books will only be distributed in Phnom Penh, I am hopeful that they will also reach the provinces by people travelling from the city to visit their families," said  Po Samnang, director of the National Culture and Social Morality Centre.

The NGO plans to widen traffic education from September 2009 to the four provinces with the highest number of traffic accidents: Kampong Cham, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal and Kampong Chhang provinces.

Since 2001, the National Culture and Social Morality Centre has distributed more than 700,000 educational books.

Meas Chandy of Handicap International says the organisation has three simple messages for people this Khmer New Year.

"To avoid traffic accidents, wear a suitable helmet, don't exceed the speed limit and don't drive when you are drunk," he said.

A presentation on traffic safety is to take place on Tuesday at the Olympic Stadium, and two thousand people are expected to attend.