5 April 2023, Siem Reap, Cambodia - On March 30 and 31 a successful Training of Trainers (ToT) on the Autosobriety Training Programme to Prevent Drink-Driving was conducted in the Siem Ream province of Cambodia. 

This third ToT, taking place at 10 Makara High School brought together 22 core trainers from law enforcement officials, university professors, teachers, youth advisors, and Cambodian Red Cross leaders of youth clubs in the Siem Reap province. The two-day event was hosted by CAMSAFE and UNITAR with the support of Pernod Ricard Cambodge and the participation of the Siem Reap Province. 

In collaboration with UNITAR and Pernod Ricard, CAMSAFE and the Siem Reap Province branch of the Cambodian Red Cross initiated the Autosobriety programme to reduce drunk driving in the province. The launch of the third Autosobriety ToT in the country is a significant step towards increasing awareness about the hazards of drunk driving and minimizing the number of road crashes caused by impaired drivers in another province of Cambodia.

The Siem Reap Provincial Red Cross, police, public works and transport officials, and other distinguished guests, including representatives of Pernod Ricard, attended the event. The speakers emphasized the alarming fact that many drivers still engage in driving while under the influence of alcohol. However, they also expressed hope that this training would educate all participants on ways to avoid dangerous road behaviours involving alcohol and enable them to promote safe practices.

After completing this course, you will be assigned for disseminating to employees of each unit, students in school, and road users in communities through a specific action, as well as work together to complete the action well and how coordinate with each other and all partners for a better result. I strongly hope that with all the efforts made on educating students and communities on what you have learned here, we will be able to contribute to the reduction of road crashes in Cambodia, said the Secretary of Siem Reap Provincial Committee of the Cambodian Red Cross in the opening remarks of the ToT.

The ToT aimed to offer a thorough comprehension of the present state of road safety in the country, as well as the dangers of drinking and driving, methods for prevention, and knowledge about the legal ramifications of such behaviour.

During the session, the attendees were guided through a detailed presentation of the four modules of the Autosobriety Training Programme. The first module was presented by a Cambodian Red Cross representative focusing on past and current road traffic crashes and fatalities in Cambodia. CAMSAFE representatives covered the second module which was about the influence of alcohol on the body. They demonstrated the impact of alcohol on driving performance through a Virtual Reality video. The Provincial Police Commissariat of Siem Reap presented the third module, which covered the current legislation regarding drinking and driving in Cambodia. Finally, a group discussion training activity was held to exchange teaching practices on how to avoid drinking and driving.

Upon completion of the event, the trainers were equipped with a comprehensive understanding of the Autosobriety Training Programme, which will be utilized by implementing training plans in their communities. These plans will be executed in April and May of 2023.