Cambodia Sees 20% Rise in Traffic Fatalities Amidst Relaxed Law Enforcement

In the first half of 2026, road traffic accidents across Cambodia saw a significant increase compared to the same period in 2025, following a relaxation in the enforcement of traffic laws. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sar Sokha, has sent a letter to Prime Minister Hun Manet requesting the reinstatement of strict traffic law enforcement starting from September. The letter highlighted that during the first semester of 2026, the National Road Safety Committee actively implemented its action plan, which included promoting education on traffic laws and safety standards, improving road environments, managing vehicle technical standards, initiating the change for worker transport vehicles from standing to seated, and constructing traffic safety gardens around schools. However, during the period when strict enforcement of traffic laws was suspended in the first semester of 2026, road traffic accidents nationwide increased notably. Compared to the same period in 2025, traffic accidents increased by 213 cases, or 20% (1,279 cases versus 1,066 cases). The number of deaths rose by 79, or 11% (773 deaths versus 694 deaths), and the number of injuries increased by 468, or 32% (1,944 injuries versus 1,476 injuries). The primary causes of these accidents were identified as speeding (46%), failure to respect priority rights (22%), driving on the wrong side (12%), overtaking (7%), careless turning (6%), drunk driving (4%), traffic signal violations (2%), and vehicle factors (1%). Accidents occurred most frequently in Phnom Penh (461 cases), Preah Sihanouk province (92 cases), Kandal province (75 cases), Kampong Speu province (57 cases), and Svay Rieng province (55 cases). The letter further stated that the overwhelming majority of accidents are caused by drivers violating laws or being negligent, suggesting that "drivers fear the police more than the law." Through this letter, to prevent and reduce traffic accidents, the National Road Safety Committee has requested Prime Minister Hun Manet to resume the strict enforcement of traffic laws starting September 1, 2026. This measure follows a suspension due to border conflicts and the global economic crisis. The strict enforcement of traffic laws will be implemented only in geographical areas with a high incidence of accidents, including Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Kampong Speu, and Svay Rieng provinces. The focus will be on violations that cause accidents, such as speeding, drunk driving, failure to respect priority rights and traffic lights, and overloading. Source: Kampuchea Thmey Local