Road traffic crash in March 2009

In March 2009, a provisional number of 2,151 casualties were reported by the participating hospitals, health centers, private clinics and traffic police departments in the 24 reporting provinces, resulting from 1,012 accidents. Among them, 173 were fatalities and 661 were severely injured. 1,593 vehicles were involved in those crashes. Compared to March 2008, number of casualties increased by 11% and the number of crash increased by 13%.

In Phnom Penh, 562 casualties were reported, corresponding to 20% increase compared to March 2008 and 19% increase compared to the previous month. Among them, 107 were severely injured and 18 died.


Key findings are the following:
- 62% of total casualties were drivers.

- 78% of casualties were motorbike riders. 40% of them aged between 15 and 24 years old.
- It was noticed that 24% of casualties received first aid at the scene of crashes. 41% of them were treated by traffic police and other 24% by Samu/ambulance staff.
- Head-on collisions accounted for 27% of the total crashes, but 29% of the fatal crashes. Single vehicle collisions accounted for 5% of total collisions, but 9% of the fatal collisions. 24% of collisions were Right-angle.
- 34% of crashes happened during night time (6pm to 6am), and caused 44% of fatal crashes.
- Almost 8% of crashes occurred on curve roads. 26% of them had at least 1 fatality and other 48% had serous injuries.
Helmets
- In Phnom Penh, number of motorbike casualties wearing helmets increased from 56 in February to 127. At the same time, the percentage of motorbike casualties getting head injuries decreased by 11% compared to February.

For more information: www.roadsafetycambodia.org