Helmets now mandatory in Vietnam

WEARING 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.