Cambodia's Roads in October: 147 Dead, 383 Injured

• 147 deaths and 383 injuries. The toll from 219 road accidents across Cambodia in October 2026, according to the National Police.
• 7 more accidents in a month. The Ministry of Interior calls the increase worrying. It comes with 31 more deaths and 107 more injuries than in September.
• 138 of 219 accidents at night. That is 63% of cases. The other 81 happened during the day.
• 91 accidents caused by speeding. This is the leading identified cause, at 41.6% of the total. Failure to yield follows with 53 cases, or 24.2%.
• Strict enforcement relaunched on September 1. It had been suspended during the border crisis. It now targets black spots, including Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng.

The October report fits into a sequence: enforcement suspended during the border crisis, resumed in September, then the following month's figures.

1. Border crisis period: strict enforcement of traffic rules is suspended. The report gives no precise dates.
2. September 1, 2026: traffic enforcement resumes in full. It focuses first on accident black spots.
3. September 2026 (baseline month): by deduction from the published differences, there were roughly 212 accidents, 116 deaths and 276 injuries.
4. October 2026: 219 accidents, 147 deaths and 383 injuries are recorded nationwide.
5. November 3, 2026: the Phnom Penh Post publishes the National Police report. The Ministry of Interior judges the increase worrying.
6. Next steps: the report announces no new measures. Enforcement at black spots continues, and the November figures will show how effective it has been.

The report does not break accidents down by province or vehicle type. It does, however, give a breakdown by time of day and by main cause.

• Siem Reap is not among the black spots named. The report names Phnom Penh, Preah Sihanouk, Kandal, Kampong Speu and Svay Rieng. Trips to those areas therefore deserve a little extra attention.
• Night-time accounts for most accidents. Putting off motorbike or tuk-tuk trips once dusk falls, or choosing a driver you trust, lowers your risk.
• Speed and right of way explain roughly two accidents out of three. Keeping to a moderate speed and anticipating at junctions and roundabouts is the best protection.
• Expect a more visible enforcement presence. Your licence, helmet and vehicle papers need to be in order to avoid fines. It's a good reason to get organized now.
• Long intercity trips take preparation. Leaving during the day, using a reputable operator and taking regular breaks make a trip to Phnom Penh or Sihanoukville less stressful.

1. Step 1: Always wear an approved helmet, properly fastened, and offer one to your passenger too. It's the most effective protection on two wheels.
2. Step 2: Make sure you have the right documents: a licence valid in Cambodia, the vehicle registration or rental contract, and insurance if you have it. Keep them within easy reach in case of a checkpoint.
3. Step 3: Adjust your speed to the road, the traffic and the weather, rather than matching other road users. Speeding was the leading cause of accidents in October.
4. Step 4: Slow down at every intersection and roundabout, even when you have right of way. Failure to yield is the second leading cause.
5. Step 5: Avoid riding at night when you can. If you can't, check your lights, make yourself highly visible and be extra vigilant on poorly lit roads.
6. Step 6: Don't drive after drinking or when tired. Plan on a tuk-tuk or a driver to get home in the evening.
7. Step 7: Check that your travel or health insurance covers two-wheeler accidents. Keep your insurer's number and a local emergency contact in your phone.