Phnom Penh traffic police have warned that drivers who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol and flee the scene will face strict legal action. Major General Heng Ratana, Deputy Commissioner of Traffic Police, said drivers involved in crashes must remain at the scene and take responsibility rather than attempt to escape or use representatives to negotiate with authorities.
He delivered the warning during a meeting of Phnom Penh Police deputy commissioners on Friday afternoon, emphasising personal accountability for drivers involved in road accidents, particularly those suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Traffic Police Warn Against Fleeing Accident Scenes
Major General Heng Ratana said drivers responsible for accidents in Phnom Penh must stay at the scene and deal directly with the authorities.
He placed particular emphasis on incidents involving alcohol, warning that drivers who cause crashes while intoxicated should not attempt to avoid responsibility by fleeing.
The warning underscores the traffic authorities’ focus on accountability when investigating road accidents. Remaining at the scene allows authorities to address the incident and establish the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The report did not provide details of a specific accident that prompted the remarks or disclose how many drunk-driving hit-and-run cases had recently been recorded in the capital.
Drivers Told Not to Send Representatives to Negotiate
Ratana also warned drivers against using representatives to mediate with authorities after an accident.
He argued that the person controlling the vehicle involved in the crash must deal directly with the authorities and face the consequences of their actions.
The statement signals that, according to the traffic police official, personal responsibility cannot simply be delegated to another person when a driver is involved in an accident.
The report did not specify whether the warning referred to a particular form of mediation or outline the legal procedures that apply to different categories of traffic accidents.
Drunk Driving and Road Safety in Phnom Penh
Driving under the influence of alcohol can impair judgement, reaction time and vehicle control, increasing the risk of collisions. When a driver subsequently flees an accident scene, it can also complicate efforts to establish what happened and determine responsibility.
The warning from Phnom Penh traffic police highlights two distinct issues: preventing dangerous driving and ensuring that people involved in crashes cooperate with the authorities.
For motorists, the practical message is to avoid driving after consuming alcohol, comply with lawful instructions from traffic police and take appropriate steps when an accident occurs.
The source report did not provide new statistics on alcohol-related crashes, injuries, fatalities or hit-and-run incidents in Phnom Penh.