The National Traffic Safety Committee reported that by the end of October 2008, there were 1,400 fewer road traffic fatalities, and over 2,200 fewer serious injuries than last year.

“Thanks to the introduction of mandatory helmet law, there are more people today to enjoy time with their family and look toward to Tet celebrations,” Dr Jean Marc Olive, WHO Representative in Vietnam said.

The WHO congratulates the policymakers, politicians and police officers involved in this milestone for their commitment to improving the safety of Vietnam’s motorbike users, he added.

Last month, the Ministry of Public Security gave 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 VND200,000 (US$12).

A survey by the Vietnam Consumer Safety Association in early 2008 found that 80 percent of helmets on the market did not meet national standards.

A decision by the Ministry of Science and Technology last month requires all helmets, both home-made and improved, to be certified to comply with national standards before they can be sold.

“Attention must now be turned to the vast numbers of Vietnamese children who do not wear helmets when they are passengers on motorcycle,” Mr Olive said.

“Rather than causing harm to a child’s neck as the myths and rumours suggest, many needless road traffic injuries and deaths in children through the correct and consistent use of properly-fitting, good quality helmets,” he said.

Children under 16 (or the adults responsible for them) cannot be financially penalized for not wearing a helmet. Therefore, there is no incentive for enforcing helmet wearing in children currently.

The WHO is working with the government to develop a law that penalizes adults who allow children to ride motorbikes without proper helmet protection.

More than 95 percent of Vietnam’s 26 million vehicles are motorcycles, a figure which is increasing by more than 9,000 new registrations each day. An estimated 59 percent of all road traffic fatalities in Vietnam involve motorcyclists.