Cambodia

In Cambodia in 2009, road traffic accidents were the largest non-communicable disease burden and motorcycles the largest source of road traffic deaths and injuries, accounting for 77% of traffic fatalities.  The problem is only getting worse, as traffic fatalities have roughly doubled over the last five years.  While drivers are required by law to wear helmets, passengers are exempt and, as a result, children rarely wear helmets.

Public Awareness Education

AIP Foundation ran a television miniseries titled “Regrets” to highlight the dangers and consequences road traffic crashes in May through July 2010.  Each episode was 45 minutes long and was preceded by a speech from the Prime Minister on the importance of road traffic safety and helmet use. The series aired on “TV3”- nationwide news station whose viewership penetrates 30% of the population.

Results

• Regrets’ viewers were 1.4 times more likely to report always wearing a helmet when riding a motorbike.
• ‘Regrets’ viewers were 1.3 times more likely to feel it was possible that they, their family, and friends could get into a serious traffic accident. Watching the mini-series helped combat the notion that “it will never happen to me”.
• ‘Regrets’ viewers were 1.5 times more likely to report always making a child wear a helmet when riding on a motorbike.

Helmets for Kids

In Cambodia, AIP Foundation has donated 9,341 helmets to students at 10 schools in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap.