Logo of Phnom Penh Post newspaper Phnom Penh Post - Drive safe, observe traffic rules on KNY, motorists warned

Drive safe, observe traffic rules on KNY, motorists warned

Content image - Phnom Penh Post
Motorists wearing face masks and helmets while commuting in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district on April 12. Hong Menea

Drive safe, observe traffic rules on KNY, motorists warned

With Khmer New Year one day away, relevant institutions have reiterated their call for people to respect road traffic laws to prevent and reduce accidents during the holiday.

The Ministry of Interior's Department of Traffic Police and Public Order urged road users to drive carefully and practice tolerance.

“Do not exceed the speed limit, drive under the influence of alcohol or overtake in dangerous conditions. Do not overload vehicles and respect the right of way on roads,” said the department in a statement.

In its appeal to motorists to help prevent or reduce road accidents, the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) of the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training acknowledged that traffic will be heavy because Khmer New Year celebration has been fully allowed after it was cancelled for two years.

Before the pandemic, Cambodians and garment workers, who make up the largest formal employment sector, return to their hometowns or visit recreation places.

“So [we expect] traffic to be heavy and road accidents to happen,” NSSF said, urging factory bus drivers to take extra precaution and maintain preventive health measures.

“Both drivers and passengers must properly wear their helmets. Wear your seat belt when travelling in a car. Check the condition of your vehicles before driving, especially the steering wheel, brakes and lights,” it added.

However, the road safety working group expressed optimism that drivers, particularly factory bus or van drivers would respect traffic laws and ensure safety in order to reunite with their family members for the traditional celebration.

In a circular issued by Siem Reap provincial police chief Teng Channath asked motorists to maintain order on the roads and note that new roads, traffic signals and lights are being installed in the city.

“Motorists and the public are prohibited from displaying any kind of equipment on public roads, especially pedestrian crossings and bicycle lanes, which might obscure traffic signals,” Channath said.

In a previous report, the National Police shared that 493 people were killed and 1,262 people sustained injuries, 784 of them seriously, in the first quarter of 2022.

The report said the number of fatalities in the first quarter of 2022 had risen to 493, compared to 433 in the same period last year.

MOST VIEWED

  • Ministry orders all schools, public and private, to close for SEA Games

    From April 20 to May 18, all public and private educational institutions will be closed to maintain order and support Cambodia's hosting of the 32nd SEA Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games, said a directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. Cambodia will host the

  • Almost 9K tourists see equinox sunrise at Angkor Wat

    Nearly 9,000 visitors – including 2,226 international tourists – gathered at Angkor Wat on March 21 to view the spring equinox sunrise, according to a senior official of the Siem Reap provinical tourism department. Ngov Seng Kak, director of the department, said a total of 8,726 people visited Angkor Wat to

  • Angkor Beer strengthens national pride with golden new look and fresher taste

    Angkor Beer – the "Gold of Angkor" – has a new look, one that is more stylish and carries a premium appeal, as well as a fresher taste and smoother flavour, making it the perfect choice for any gathering. Angkor Beer recently launched its new design, one

  • PM urges end to ‘baseless’ international Ream base accusations

    Prime Minister Hun Sen urges an end to “baseless” foreign accusations surrounding the development of the Kingdom’s Ream Naval Base, as the US has consistently suggested that the base is being expanded to accommodate a Chinese military presence. Hun Sen renewed his calls while

  • Khmer ballet documentary debuts April 1

    A new documentary, The Perfect Motion, or Tep Hattha in Khmer, will premiere to the public on April 1. The documentary film follows two intertwined storylines: the creation of a show called Metamorphosis by the late Princess Norodom Buppha Devi (her very last production) and the

  • Water supply authority assures public shortages over early ‘24

    The Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA) asked for understanding from Phnom Penh residents in some communes where water pressure is weak. They assured residents that all supply issues will be resolved by early 2024, but have suggested that residents use water sparingly in the meantime.