The Vientiane Traffic Police have issued a final warning to all motorbike riders that from January 1, 2007, they will start issuing fines to those found not wearing helmets.
“We will fine anyone who doesn't follow the regulations,” said Vientiane Traffic Police Chief Lieutenant Colonel Khamsome Luangnor.
He added that police have been urging motorbike riders to wear helmets for some time, but many are still failing to adhere to the regulations.
This is a major safety issue in Vientiane , as road accidents result more often in serious injuries and death when victims are not wearing helmets.
“Many riders might feel strange wearing a helmet at first, but we want people to wear them automatically, so that they feel they cannot drive without them,” Lieutenant Colonel Khamsome said.
“We concede that we have not been strict in issuing fines in the past, but starting from the New Year, we will fine people for not wearing a helmet,” he said.
Riders without helmets will be fined 30,000 kip and their offence will be recorded. If a rider commits the same offence twice, police will confiscate their licence and order the rider to attend the police station to retrieve it.
“It might be expensive for some people, but the cost is worth it because helmets can save lives and prevent serious injuries,” he said.
The Vientiane Traffic Police will cooperate with the Vientiane Commerce Department to control helmet prices in motorbike shops around Vientiane , because there is some concern that prices will be driven up now that the regulations are more strict.
Lieutenant Colonel Khamsome added it is not only the mission of police to reduce the problem, but all road users should participate in this campaign, because traffic regulations are very important and have been set up with community safety in mind.
The government has also urged the Vientiane Urban Development Administration Authority and the Vientiane Commerce Department to play a role in promoting road safety.
“The Vientiane Mayor has ordered us to work together to reduce road accidents by 30 percent by 2011,” Lieutenant Colonel Khamsome said. “All 10 capital cities in ASEAN have agreed to the same figure.”
The police have also launched a media and advertising campaign to raise public awareness of what they are trying to achieve.
By Souknilundon Southivongnorath (Latest Update December 15, 2006)
