PHNOM PENH, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Road traffic accidents killed at least 17 people in Cambodia during its traditional New Year holiday this year, down 34 percent from 26 fatalities during last year's holiday, a spokesperson said on Friday.
The Southeast Asian country celebrated its lunar New Year from April 14 to 16.
Ministry of Interior Spokesperson Touch Sokhak said besides the death toll, the accidents injured 45 others, down 4 percent from 47 during last year's celebrations.
He said a total of 27 road accidents happened across the country during this year's holiday period, down 10 percent from 30 cases during last year's holiday period.
"Main causes of road crashes included speeding, failing to adhere to traffic rules, not respecting the right of way, reckless overtaking, careless turning, driving under the influence of alcohol, and drowsy driving, among others," he said.
Road accidents are the leading cause of deaths and injuries in Cambodia, costing the country approximately 466 million U.S. dollars a year, according to a report jointly conducted by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Cambodia and the National Road Safety Committee.
According to the National Police, road accidents claimed 1,467 human lives and injured 3,213 others in 2025. ■
