Helmet Distribution Ceremony

Posted: 8th December 2004

Primary School Students in Helmet Distribution Ceremony at the Olympic National Stadium

Phnom Penh: At the Olympic National Stadium, on Wednesday December 8th, took place the helmet distribution ceremony, honored by the presence of His Majesty King NORODOM SIHAMONI, the new king of Cambodia, Senior prime Minister prince Serey Vuth, Phnom Penh Municipal Governor. H.E. Kep Chuk Tema, Mr.Bruno Leclercq, President of Handicap International of Belgium to Cambodia, Governmental officers and students.

One thousand and five hundred helmets were distributed to students who came from Santhor Mouk, Bactouk, and Norodom Primary Schools. The purpose of this distribution was to protect the children from accidents along the roads in Cambodia, particularly to the students who are the hope of our country. The new king of Cambodia expressed with emotion “I am very worried about the high rate of traffic accidents in Cambodia which is increasing more and more. I would like to advice all of students to respect the traffic laws as well as wear the helmet to protect yourselves. Otherwise, you must face the traffic laws punishment. Taking care of yourselves you will reduce the serious burden of your family and the nation.

Everyday there is an average of 3 dead and over 100 injured in traffic accidents along the roads in Cambodia. "This accident high rate is causing a serious impact on the Cambodian economy. It costs to the country approximately US $ 116 million dollars per year, that it represented 3% of GDP", Mr. Bruno Leclercq, the director of Handicap International, said. He added that, “most of the injured were motor drivers and their passengers who did not wear a safety helmet". About 60% of victims of traffic accidents in the city of Phnom Penh suffered serious head injures.

Vanna Vichea, a student, said to our reporters: “We must be determined to wear a helmet, to respect the traffic laws and to follow the teachers’ advices in order to save and protect the lives of our children in Cambodia”.

Sam Kanitha, 16, student of Bactouk High School, said “I’m worried about the high rate of accidents in my country. I fear about this bad result. In my opinion, in order to avoid accidents I commit myself to respect the traffic laws.

Top Vebol, 30, teacher of Preah Norodom Primary School, said “when I came back to my school, I will educate my students on how to respect the traffic laws and to wear the helmet. I will insist to them about the need of everybody to wear a helmet at any moment. I want to remind them the slogan: “Protect your life – wear a helmet”.

Article Source: C.S.C: Reported by Rany, Picture: Vanna