I would like to express our sincere thanks for inviting WHO to attend your important event, 10th anniversary of mandatory motorcycle helmet legislation in Viet Nam.
Increasing number of motorbikes has been a symbol of economic growth in Viet Nam since the launch of Doi Moi in 1986. The Gross Domestic Product per capita has increased from less than 450 US$ in 1986 to higher than 2200 US$ in 2016. At the same time, the number of motorbikes has also increased from less than 1 million in 1986 to over 47 million in 2016, a near 4000% increase.
With this sharp increase of motorization and mobility in Viet Nam, an unwanted by-product of this process is road traffic crashes. In the early 90s, Viet Nam recorded about 2,100 deaths, however, this number topped 12,800 in 2002. Along with these deaths are tens of thousands of other people injured by road traffic crashes and many of them resulted in life-time disability.
Road safety received government’s attention since the mid-90s. However, the helmet regulation in 2007, the resolution 32, has made a major shift. The overall helmet wearing rate increased from 30% to over 90%. The helmet law prevented 29,000 head injuries, averted US$31 million in income losses, and saved 2,200 lives in just one year following its introduction.
This clearly shows “Policy can save the life”.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Despite major success in the implementation of helmet regulation as evidenced through the reduced number of road traffic deaths in Viet Nam, challenges still remain.
While overall helmet wearing rate is still high as of over 90%, the proportion of people correctly fastening their helmets and wearing helmets that meet the national quality standards is significantly lower at just over 70%. A study conducted by WHO in 2013 showed only 40% of brand new helmets labeled as meeting national standards passed the impact protection test. The use of motorcycle helmets for children is just 50%. Helmet wearing observations among school students riding electric bikes showed even more alarming problem with over 90% of riders not wearing helmets.
The Ministry of Health through its hospital-based surveillance system has also recorded an increasing trend in hospitalized road traffic victims with head injuries.
In order to achieve the full life saving potential of helmet wearing regulation, Viet Nam should take the following actions:
- Production and trade of quality helmets;
- Effective enforcement of use of quality helmet;
- Adopting helmet standards as recommended by the United Nations and develop a practical road map for achievement.
As Viet Nam steps up its economic ladder, the country is facing new and emerging challenges. We are observing more cars in the street every year. The car market in Viet Nam ranked second in the world in terms of growth with more than 220,000 cars sold in 2016.
In September 2015, Viet Nam joined other world leaders at the United Nations to endorse the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which include crucial direct and indirect targets that apply to road safety. Target 3.6 calls for road traffic deaths and injuries to be halved between 2010 and 2020 and Target 11.2, which aims to realise access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all by 2030. These are very ambitious, but achievable goals.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Now is an unprecedented time for further scaling up evidence based action for road safety in Viet Nam. The country should develop and implement comprehensive road safety policies with special attention to the following areas:
- Adopting comprehensive legislation on key risk factors, including the non-use of seat belts, child restraints, drunk driving, and speeding, and distracted driving;
- Strengthening multi-sectorial and multi-stakeholder collaboration;
- Developing safer road infrastructure;
- Adopting national standards for new motor vehicles;
- Promoting public transport, and protect pedestrian safety and cycling mobility; and
- Strengthening emergency care systems.
As always, WHO together with the whole United Nations system and partners will continue our technical support for the design and implementation of road safety policies as well as the monitoring of its implementation and impact. Let us continue working for a Viet Nam where everyone has access to a safe and clean transport environment.
Let us continue working for a Viet Nam where everyone has access to a safe and clean transport environment.
Thank you.
Dr Kidong Park