Phnom Penh: Mr. Seng Dina, spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, explained the case in which the court charged a motorcycle driver with causing an accident that resulted in the death of a passenger in the back.
This explanation comes after much debate surrounding the case in which the court charged a motorcycle driver with causing an accident that resulted in the death of a passenger in Preah Vihear province.
Regarding this case, on April 21, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice mentioned some legal aspects surrounding the case, stating that driving recklessly, carelessly, recklessly, or without respecting the obligations required by traffic regulations and causing harm to others is a criminal offense stipulated in Article 85 of the Road Traffic Law.
He said that in the elements of this offense, “others” refers to all individuals other than the driver himself (the perpetrator), in which Including those who are riding with you (passengers in the car or those riding behind the motorcycle). The key point is to determine whether the accident was caused by negligence, carelessness, or disregard for traffic rules by the driver, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or driving at a speed exceeding the limit, etc. In the case of Preah Vihear, the investigation focuses on two main points: (1). Driving at high speed on a red gravel road and (2). Driving under the influence of alcohol.
The spokesperson mentioned this case that there is also a similar case in France, such as the case that occurred in 2023 and that the court has just tried and issued a verdict in late March 2026. In this case, the perpetrator drove a motorcycle carelessly and hit a car, causing serious injuries to himself. As for his friend who was riding behind the motorcycle, he lost his life. A French court has sentenced a motorcyclist to prison for “involuntary manslaughter” and ordered him to pay compensation to the victim’s family.
He said that besides France, there are similar cases in other countries, such as: Case in England: A motorcyclist who negligently disregarded traffic rules and caused an accident that resulted in the death of a passenger was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months in prison. Case in the United States: A motorcyclist who drove at a speed exceeding the speed limit and caused an accident that resulted in the death of a passenger was charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Please note that on April 16, a young woman was driving at high speed while intoxicated on a red gravel road in Peuk village, Chreach commune, Chey Sen district, Preah Vihear province, and crashed into a tree, causing the motorcycle to fall and injure both of them. The victim, named as Chong Pha, a cousin, died on the way to the hospital. The Preah Vihear Provincial Court has accepted the criminal case and placed it under investigation for reckless driving, reckless driving, or failure to comply with duty, causing the death of another person.
