Wearing a standard-compliant helmet can reduce the risk of death by up to 42% and the risk of traumatic brain injury by 69% in the event of a traffic accident, highlighting the crucial role of helmets in protecting motorcyclists and passengers.

Helmets: The life-saving shield

Helmets are mandatory safety gear for motorcycle riders in Vietnam, but many people still underestimate their importance. At a public event promoting helmet use held on March 26 in Hanoi, Tran Huu Minh, Chief of Office at the National Traffic Safety Committee, emphasized that helmets play a vital role in absorbing impact energy, protecting the head, and minimizing injuries during accidents.

Citing statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO), Minh stressed that wearing a standard-compliant helmet can reduce the risk of death by 42% and traumatic brain injury by 69%. He also noted that since the mandatory helmet law was introduced in 2007, fatalities from traumatic brain injuries have significantly decreased.

What makes a helmet standard-compliant?

According to Minh, quality helmets must have a durable outer shell, shock-absorbing padding, a secure strap, and an official certification label. Yet, many people, especially young riders and students, continue to neglect proper helmet use or wear substandard helmets without fastening the strap correctly. Such behavior not only compromises personal safety but also endangers public safety.

“Using low-quality helmets or wearing them improperly puts millions of people at risk and leads to severe consequences. It is essential to raise public awareness and increase the rate of standard helmet use to minimize injuries from traffic accidents,” Minh emphasized.

Strengthening helmet quality management

Koji Sugita, General Director of Honda Vietnam and Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (VAMM), highlighted the vital role of motorcycles as an affordable and convenient means of transport in Vietnam. However, he also stressed that riding two-wheelers inherently exposes the body to external dangers in case of accidents.

“At VAMM, we are not only focused on manufacturing high-quality motorcycles but also on promoting traffic safety initiatives, including encouraging the use of standard helmets,” Sugita said.

Despite legal regulations mandating helmet use for motorcyclists and e-bike riders, non-compliance remains widespread. Under Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, failing to wear a helmet or wearing one without properly fastening the strap can result in fines ranging from USD 17 to USD 26.

Addressing the issue of low-quality helmets

Currently, the market is flooded with low-cost helmets priced at just USD 1-1.30, featuring thin plastic shells and flimsy straps. These helmets, often purchased as a mere formality to avoid fines, offer little to no real protection during accidents.

Experts recommend that authorities issue clear safety standards for helmets and strictly enforce regulations on their quality. Additionally, public awareness campaigns should target young people to promote the use of quality helmets and correct wearing techniques. Raising awareness will not only ensure legal compliance but also protect the lives of individuals and their families.

Hoang Hiep