Though the Government’s Resolution 32 on compulsory helmet wearing on national highways came into effect on September 15, 2007, Hanoi implemented the resolution on July 15. Accordingly, all motorcyclists were required to wear helmets on national highways leading to Hanoi and the two expressways of Thang Long-Noi Bai and Lang-Hoa Lac.  

Traffic police stationed at checkpoints on the two expressways told VOVNews that the number of road users wearing helmets increased sharply, reaching 90 percent. They said thanks to enhanced communication activities, road users are aware of the need to put on the helmet while they are out.

A traffic warden at a checkpoint on Lang-Hoa Lac expressway said that only more than 10 motorbikes had been stopped for breaking regulations on helmet wearing from 07.00 to 10.30am.

“The number of violations fell sharply compared to the period when Hanoi began handing down fines on violators two months ago,” he said.  

However, many people who did not wear helmets tried to escape the police’s attention by getting off the motorbikes, towing them past the checkpoint and getting on again. Some turned into paths nearby to look for other ways out. Others picked up speed past the checkpoint while the police were busy dealing with violations.

Captain Nguyen Phu Luong who was on duty at a checkpoint on Phap Van-Cau Gie highway said many motorcyclists wore the helmet reluctantly to cope with the situation. 

“When approaching the checkpoint, many people began to put on their helmets or turned back to look for other ways out,” said Captain Luong. 

Another police captain Tran Van Tin said the police have encountered difficulties in patrolling and dealing with violations due to a lack of personnel. He said the most effective solution is to enhance communication activities to raise public awareness of the need to wear helmets on the road.

September 15 also marked the first day the Hanoi Municipal Party Committee’s helmet wearing campaign came into effect. Accordingly, all State officials and employees will have to wear helmets while travelling on all inner roads.

Though September 15 was Saturday, few people wearing helmets could be seen on major streets of Hanoi, except for State employees. 

“State officials and employees should be the pioneers in this campaign,” said Nguyen Thanh Van from Lang Ha street. “I always wear the helmet while I am on the road and encourage others to follow. Everybody should observe the traffic law to protect themselves from unwanted accidents.”

Nguyen Thi Thanh, who works for the Hanoi Railway Station, said she and other members of her family have bought and worn helmets for several months.

”The wearing will help us reduce injuries if accidents happen and protect us from wind, sunlight and dust,” said Mrs Thanh.

Under the Government’s Decree 152, those who ride motorbikes on national highways without wearing helmets will be fined between VND20,000-40,000 each and their motorbikes will be seized over three days. The Government will revise the decree by increasing fine levels for violators to curb traffic accidents. 

Hanoi police are awaiting new documents from the Government and the Ministry of Public Security regulating fines imposed on motorcyclists without wearing helmets on all roads as of December 15, 2007.