Monday marks the first anniversary of the Government’s mandatory helmet law (Resolution 32). It is a day to celebrate the lives that have been saved from wearing helmets.
Statistics show us that the landmark law has had a substantial impact on reducing road traffic injury and deaths in Viet Nam.
The National Traffic Safety Committee (NTSC) report reveals that as of the end of October 2008, there were more than 1,400 fewer road traffic fatalities, and more than 2,200 fewer serious injuries compared to the same time last year.
“Thanks to the introduction of mandatory helmet laws there are more people alive today to enjoy time with their family and look forward to Tet celebrations,” Dr. Jean-Marc Olivé, WHO Representative in Viet Nam said.
"The alternative does not bear thinking about. There is no simpler message - helmets save lives,” he said.
WHO congratulates the policy makers, politicians and police officers involved in this milestone for their commitment to improving the safety of Viet Nam's motorcycle users.
Congratulations must also go to the Government for recently closing a major loophole in the helmet law.
Last month Circular No: 23/2008/TT-BCA-C11 of the Ministry of Public Security came into force. It gives police the power to fine motorcycle riders and passengers who do not correctly fasten their helmets.
If a helmet is not fastened police will consider this “non-wearing” and the rider and/or passenger can be fined up to 200 000 VND.
"Helmets must be fastened otherwise they provide no protection at all,” Dr. Olivé said.
“Strict enforcement and imposing tough penalties on those who do not comply with the new law are the best ways to ensure people change their behaviours and fasten their helmets,” he said.
In another move by the Vietnamese Government to strengthen motorcycle safety, changes have also been made to national helmet standards.
A survey by the Viet Nam Consumer Safety Association in early 2008 found that 80% of helmets on the market did not meet national standards.
Decision 04/2008/QD-BKHCN (Nov 15th, 2008) from the Ministry of Science and Technology now requires all helmets, both domestic and imported, to be certified to comply with national standards before they can be sold.
These new standards must be stringently enforced to ensure that only high quality helmets are used in Viet Nam.
"Viet Nam's helmet law has been remarkably effective in its first year of implementation," Dr Olivé said.
“For this to continue and to see a further reduction in injuries and deaths, further regulation and strict enforcement is absolutely crucial.
“Attention must now be turned to the vast numbers of Vietnamese children who do not wear helmets when they are passengers on motorcycle,” he said.
It is important to remember that there are no exceptions to the helmet law, and children are LEGALLY required to wear helmets just as adults are.
Despite the belief of many parents, there is no evidence that wearing a helmet causes injuries to the neck.
“Rather than causing harm as the myths and rumours suggest, many needless road traffic injuries and deaths in children could have been prevented through the correct and consistent use of properly-fitting, good quality helmets,” Dr Olivé said.
The fact that children under 16 years of age, or the adults that are responsible for them, cannot be financially penalised for not wearing a helmet has contributed to the limited enforcement of helmet wearing in children.
WHO is working with the Government to develop a law that penalises adults who allow children to ride motorcycles without proper helmet protection.
“This would have an immediate effect to boost the number of children wearing helmets and protect the lives of many Vietnamese children,” Dr Olivé said.
“Please put a helmet on your children – and make certain it is fastened properly – every time. Don’t let your child become a road statistic.”
WHO looks forward to continuing its strong cooperation with the Government and other partners in this important area, to achieve a common goal of saving lives on Viet Nam's roads.