January 21, 2008

Motorbike safety campaign?

Sihanoukville (Australasia News): 20th January 2008 -- The death, yesterday afternoon, of a past pupil who had finished his studies in the electrical section of Don Bosco Sihanoukville in 2006, has local Salesians wondering if there is not a need to mount a serious campaign, especially amongst the young motorbike riders they know, to prevent what has led to the death of two students, a teacher and now a past pupil over a period of twelve months.
Suaung Sophoan, 23 years of age, was in collision with another motorbike and both were run over by a container truck. Three persons died and three others were injured in the accident. The incident occurred near the busy port where heavy container-loaded trucks pose a constant threat to motorists and especially bikers.
Most students and many young people, including children, use motorbikes as a means of transport in Cambodia. There is no law, at least no enforced law which prevents anyone from riding a motorbike and a single vehicle may often carry three or more persons. Many young people refuse to wear helmets because they consider them too hot to wear.
Suaung Sophoan came from a region near the border with Vietnam and was working in Sihanoukville following his successful completion of a two year technical course at Don Bosco. He was living alone in the city. An ecumenical prayer for Suaung will follow on Monday in the St. Francis de Sales Chapel at Don Bosco.

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