On December 12, in the latest extension of its “Love and Care” corporate citizenship program, Samsung provided 1,000 students at Cambodia’s Hun Sen Chumpo Vorn General Education and Technical School with free motorbike helmets. The event was organized to promote safe riding habits and raise awareness of the traffic accidents that claim the lives of scores of Cambodian youths every year.
The Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign is the latest Samsung-driven initiative organized in the country, following similar community-focused events such as an employee volunteer program, an Angkor Wat conservation project and various donation drives. The helmet campaign addressed a matter of great concern in the country, where instances of drivers traveling at excessive speeds and under the influence of alcohol have created cause for serious concern.
In Cambodia, 70 percent* of victims of traffic accidents are motorbike riders, and 66 percent* of those fatalities are caused by severe head injuries. Such figures are all the more staggering considering that only 22 percent* of motorbike riders regularly wear helmets.
Samsung organized the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign to raise awareness of traffic accidents and their socio-economic consequences and educate motorbike and bicycle riders on ways to prevent the unfortunate situations. As part of the campaign, professional trainers from Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport outlined basic traffic laws and the necessity of regular helmet use to help students stay safe on the road.
“Today, it is my pleasure to cooperate with the Ministry of Education and the Hun Sen Chumpo Vorn General Education and Technical School to launch the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign,” said Seungho Choi, Managing Director of the Cambodian branch of Samsung Electronics’ Thai operations. “My message to all students today is to always wear a helmet when you ride a motorbike or bicycle – for your safety, for your family, and for Cambodian society.”
Also in attendance at the event was H.E Bou Chumserey, the Under Secretary of State of Cambodia’s Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. “I’m pleased to attend the Samsung Corporate Citizenship Helmet Campaign in Cambodia,” said Chumserey. “I’m grateful that Samsung continues to contribute to our community and create positive change for our citizens.”
* Reference: World Health Organization, Road Crash & Victim Information System (RCVIS) 2013
