Cambodia - August 23, 2016

Editors from leading Cambodian news outlets learned about road safety reporting and national legislative initiatives during a forum as part of the “Agents for Change” program, which is supported by FIA Foundation. Moderators provided attendees with reliable information sources, best practices, and encouraged them to use innovative angles when reporting on the subject and to publish images that reinforce proper helmet use.

The editors were also joined by government officials who updated them on the current state of legislation and law enforcement in Cambodia. From 2011-2013, it was estimated that only 64% of motorcycle drivers wore helmets. In 2015, the World Health Organization estimated that Cambodia loses 2% of its GDP due to road crashes. The media plays a critical role in influencing the public’s behavior, and the event helped editors recognize the power they hold when discussing this pressing national issue.