“It is everyone’s responsibility to protect children. Helmets for children are widely available and have been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury.” added Mr Morch. "Under this new legislation, if a child is not correctly wearing a helmet then the adult who is carrying them will be fined 100,000-200,000 VND."
Viet Nam is one of only three countries in the world where helmet standards have been developed specially with the requirements of children in mind. This should provide parents with confidence that it is both suitable and appropriate for children to wear a helmet each and every time they travel on a motorcycle.
“We congratulate the Government on closing this last major loophole in the already successful national helmet legislation" "We are confident that this new legislation, when thoroughly and stringently enforced will boost the number of Vietnamese children wearing helmets in turn making their daily experiences on Vietnam's roads safer”. Dr Olivé added.
To draw further attention to this important milestone, WHO, in collaboration with road safety and international stakeholders will shortly run a media campaign to raise awareness among adults and parents that they are now legally responsible ensure children wear a helmet.
"The challenge now is to heed the evidence and gradually increase the coverage of this important new legislation. In the not to distant future, we hope that children of all ages will be protected by a helmet when they travel on a motorcycle and if for whatever reason they cant, then we continue to recommend that parents find an alternative means of transport for their children." said Dr Olivé.
“Don’t let your child become another tragic road statistic. If your child is not wearing a helmet, the life-long consequences to you and your family could be immeasurable" concluded Mr Morch.
WHO and UNICEF looks forward to continuing our cooperation and collaboration with the Government and other partners in this important area, to achieve our common goal of saving lives on Viet Nam's roads.
For more information, please contact
World Health Organization 304 Kim Ma Street, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Ha Noi Viet Nam
Postal address:
World Health Organization P.O. Box 52 Hanoi, Viet Nam
Telephone number:
+84 (0) 24 38 500 100 +84 (0) 4 38 501 888
Fax number:
+84 (0) 24 37 265 519 +84 (0) 4 37 265 520
Office hours:
08.00 to 12.00 13.00 to 17.00 (Monday to Friday)
Email: media.vtn@wpro.who.int