Road traffic fatalities tabulated for most of 2012 offer a severe reminder of the low level of safety on Cambodia’s streets and highways.

From November 2011 to November 2012, 1,894 people were reported killed in traffic accidents, according to the most recent statistics released this week from the Ministry of Interior. In all of 2011, there were 1,905 fatalities.

The World Health Organization released the figures yesterday as part of its Global Status Report on Road Safety.

Because of recent government efforts, Cambodia has fared somewhat better than its neighbours in the report.

“Probably because of highways with generally lower traffic speeds than Malaysia or Thailand, but also because of the government’s efforts,” said Steven Iddings, team leader for road safety and injury prevention at the WHO in Cambodia.

“We know from Cambodia’s data, lives can be saved ... with fairly simple measures such as motorcycle helmets for drivers and passengers.”