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.