Phnom Penh (FN), Oct. 22 – In an effort to reduce drink driving and save lives, Phnom Penh City Hall has launched a new project titled “Reduce Driving Under the Influence.” The initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to improving road safety as part of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, a prestigious global network of 74 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs)—such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer—and injuries. The Partnership for Healthy Cities protects approximately 320 million urban residents with proven strategies
The project will focus on strengthening local enforcement of national drink driving laws by increasing police enforcement checkpoints in high-risk locations based on city data, and as advised by the national government’s drink driving plan. Enforcement officers will also receive training on several key areas, including operating breathalyzers, safe and effective check-point set-up and first responder training.
A communication campaign to remind drivers about the risks of drink driving and the presence of enforcement officers will be launched in parallel to support these efforts.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.19 million people die worldwide each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Drink driving significantly increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash and is a risk factor for 27% of all road injuries globally.
The new project aligns with calls from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in January 2024 to strengthen action against drink driving—a leading cause of road fatalities and injuries in the country. The Royal Government of Cambodia have also expressed determination in achieving the global target of reducing road traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety 2021-2030. According to Cambodia’s Road Safety Plan 2021-2030, an average of seven crashes and five fatalities occurs each day.
This week, the city hosted the project’s inaugural workshop. The event, presided over by Phnom Penh Capital Hall Vice Governor Excellency Imran Hassan, was attended by 160 participants working in the fields of public work and transport, health and law enforcement. During the event, ten alcohol breathalyzers and other equipment (portable lights, road checkpoint materials)—procured as part of the project—were handed over to local authorities by the Vice Governor.
At the workshop, Phnom Penh Vice Governor Imran Hassan expressed his appreciation to the Partnership for Healthy Cities for its ongoing support to Phnom Penh and looks forward to continuing collaboration between Phnom Penh and the global network.
Phnom Penh has been working with the Partnership for Healthy Cities since 2017 on projects aimed at reducing sugary drink consumption and promoting healthier food environments to help tackle NCDs. This new project reflects the city’s continued commitment to create healthier, safer urban centers as part of the global Partnership for Healthy Cities network.
NCDs and injuries are responsible for 80% of all deaths globally. With the majority of the world’s population now living in urban settings, cities and their leaders are uniquely positioned to transform the fight against NCDs and injuries and reduce preventable deaths by implementing policies that are proven to prevent exposure to risk factors.
About The Partnership for Healthy Cities
The Partnership for Healthy Cities is a prestigious global network of 74 cities committed to saving lives by preventing noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with WHO and the global health organization Vital Strategies, the initiative enables cities around the world to deliver a high-impact policy or programmatic intervention to reduce NCDs and injuries in their communities. For more information, visit https://cities4health.org
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