7 March 2023, Phnom Penh, Cambodia - On March 2 and 3, 2023, the Autosobriety Training Programme to Prevent Drink Driving kicked off at Phnom Penh International University and brought together 22 trainers from local high schools, and public and private universities.

CAMSAFE and the Cambodian Red Cross Phnom Penh Branch joined forces with UNITAR and Pernod Ricard to launch Autosobriety aimed at preventing drunk driving in the country. The event marks the beginning of a concerted effort to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and reduce the number of road accidents caused by intoxicated drivers in Cambodia.

The event was attended by distinguished officials, such as the National Road Safety Committee, the Cambodian Red Cross Phnom Penh branch, as well as representatives of Pernod Ricard. During the event, speakers highlighted the importance of safe and responsible driving and emphasized the need to reduce the number of road accidents and fatalities caused by drunk driving.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has strived with all its efforts, hand in hand with relevant partners, in the implementation of road safety action plan as set out in the Decade of Action of the Cambodia National Road Safety Action Plan," said Excellency Min Meanvy, Mr Sun Chanthol, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, and Secretary General of the National Road Safety Committee. She also added how useful contribution the programme is in raising awareness amongst the younger population, “who will drive vehicles for the rest of their lives.

The Autosobriety Training of Trainers event opens the way for the relevant working group to organize similar training in Preah Sihanouk and Siem Reap Provinces within the upcoming weeks and target 1,230 direct beneficiaries from government institutions, civil society organizations, private sectors, schools/universities and communities. The newly trained individuals will then be responsible to educate students in their high schools and universities and will also be assigned to education on road safety, especially to prevent drinking and driving to target groups such as factory workers, employees, transport, business, services companies, factories, as well as enterprises as well.