Helmets now mandatory in Vietnam
New law hopes to slash 13,000-a-year death toll
Posted: 15 December 2007
by Tim Skilton
 Many riders aren't happy with Vietnam's new helmet lawWEARING A motorcycle helmet while riding in Vietnam became compulsory on December 15th this year, in the hope of reducing the extremely high death rate among the nation's bikers. According to government estimates, up to 13,000 people are killed and more than 11,000 injured in traffic accidents every year. Half of all casualties are brain injuries. The central government's Resolution 32 requires all motorbike riders and passengers to wear helmets on all roads across the entire nation. The law has been greeted with a mixed reception; many riders are not happy wearing a helmet, nicknaming them 'rice cookers'. Those not complying with the law run the risk of a heavy fine.
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