PHNOM PENH – Speeding remains Cambodia’s deadliest traffic problem, accounting for nearly half of all road crashes last year. Now, the government says it plans to introduce a speed-monitoring system for passenger and freight vehicles in an effort to slow drivers down and save lives. The proposal comes as Cambodia continues to grapple with a high road death toll despite a decline in overall accidents. Government data shows that 1,467 people were killed in traffic crashes in 2025 — about four deaths every day — while speeding was linked to 49 percent of all accidents, up from 43 percent the previous year. Speaking to reporters on June 7, Minister of Public Works and Transport Peng Ponea said the ministry is studying how the monitoring system could be introduced and is working with transport companies to improve oversight of drivers. Under the proposed system, transport companies would receive alerts when drivers exceed speed limits and could take action against repeat offenders, according to remarks reported by Fresh News. Minister Ponea said officials are reviewing similar technologies used in China, the United States and Europe to determine which model would be most suitable for Cambodia’s transport sector. “We need to study the system carefully because of current traffic conditions in Cambodia,” said Ministry spokesperson Phan Rim. According to Rim, the technology would do more than track speeding. It could also monitor vehicle operations, fuel consumption and driver behavior, providing companies with data to improve efficiency and strengthen safety management. The ministry hopes to implement the system in the near future, although no timeline has yet been announced. The move comes as authorities continue searching for ways to reduce road deaths. While Cambodia recorded 2,345 traffic accidents in 2025, down nearly 20 percent from the previous year, the number of fatalities remains stubbornly high. More than half of all crashes occurred at night, when visibility is lower and speeding is more common. According to Ministry of Public Works and Transport data, speeding was by far the leading cause of accidents last year. Violations of priority rights accounted for 21 percent of crashes, while drivers failing to stay on the correct side of the road contributed to 11 percent. Dangerous overtaking was responsible for another 7 percent. Road safety officials have repeatedly warned that risky driving habits continue to undermine years of awareness campaigns and enforcement efforts. Along with speeding, authorities cite drunk driving, reckless overtaking, mobile phone use behind the wheel and failure to wear helmets or seat belts as major contributors to serious injuries and deaths. The ministry says it will continue focusing on road safety management, safer infrastructure, vehicle inspections and public education. But with speeding still responsible for nearly one in every two crashes, officials hope technology can help tackle a problem that enforcement campaigns alone have struggled to solve.