Protect Cambodian Children from Brain Injury

On their daily commute to get an education, many children are at risk. In Cambodia, students accounted for 12% of all road fatalities in 2019 (RCVIS Annual Report 2019). Nearly 6% of all road fatalities in Cambodia are secondary and high-school students. It highlights the urgent need for preventive action. Helmets are a uniquely affordable and effective protection against head injuries on the road. Wearing a quality helmet can reduce the risk of death by 42% and the risk of serious brain injury by 69%.

In March 2023, a helmet handover ceremony was held at Hun Sen Trosek Koang High School, with approximately 600 students and 75 teachers attending. The helmet handover ceremony was co-organized with AIP Foundation - in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the National Road Safety Committee, Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, Kampot provincial partners, with meaningful support from Prudential Cambodia -  as part of the SAFE STEPS – Road Safety programme. 623 students and teachers received helmets that make a life-saving difference for the vulnerable school community on their way to and from school.

Reflecting on the program, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport and Secretary General of the National Road Safety Committee shared, “In order to ensure that the roads of Cambodia are safe for our future generation, we must involve them and encourage active participation from road users towards the respect of the Road Traffic Law and safety measures. The SAFE STEPS event today encourages students to raise their voices influencing their peers to wear a helmet, not over speeding, respecting the law and not drink and drive. The first step toward solving the global road safety crisis is to ensure that youth and students are a part of the solution.”

The coming year of the program will continue focusing on ensuring students' safe journey to school through school zone safety improvement and quality equipment distribution. Visit us here to learn more about our work and receive the latest updates. 

As part of the SAFE STEPS – Road Safety programme, a SAFE STEPS Kids Road Safety Day took place in September last year at Hun Sen Trosek Koang high school, Kampot province, with about 1,000 students attending.

The Road Safety Day was co-organized by Prudential Cambodia, Prudence Foundation and AIP Foundation, and in collaboration with the National Road Safety Committee, the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, and local programme partners to help students mitigate risks on the road, provide them with safety equipment and road traffic education.

Through interactive games and fun activities, students reinforced their road safety skills and knowledge on motorcycle driving and helmet use for eligible students aged 15 or above, understanding speed limits, avoiding distractions, and the importance of pedestrian safety. Students also participated in a road safety quiz to test their understanding and received motorcycle driver training through practical demonstrations.

The success of Road Safety Day underscores the importance of offering interactive events to young children and students. The collaboration with community and governmental partners raise higher awareness among parents, policymakers, and residents to establish safe school environments and instill quality road safety education in school curricula. Safe school zones are integral in ensuring that students can access their education safely. Visit our website here to see how you can support our work and become a road safety ambassador.