Toch Chan Kosal, Secretary of State at the Ministry, said there were over 21,500 traffic accidents in the country last year, up 4 percent over the previous year.

The number of deaths by traffic accidents ranks second, only after HIV/AIDS, the official said, adding that about 1,700 people died and 7,000 others were injured in traffic accidents in the country last year.

According to him, the increasing figures are attributable to low awareness among a part of the local population who do not abide by traffic rules, exceed speed limits or drive drunk.

It is estimated that the Cambodian economy has lost more than US$250 million in property and treatment costs related to traffic accidents and their victims.