HO CHI MINH City, Vietnam - December 13, 2019

In an effort to educate both locals and foreigners on the risks of driving a motorcycle in Vietnam, the Consular Team at the British Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City led a “Ride it Safe” workshop to target British nationals who are living or traveling in Vietnam. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of the potential dangers of riding motorcycles and the measures that drivers can take to protect themselves, bringing together over 130 participants, including students and teachers from the ABC International School. The workshop is a part of the British Consulate General’s #KnowSafetyNoAccidents campaign, which was launched in September 2018.

At the workshop, Mr. Nguyen Van Thach, Director General of the Traffic Safety Department at the Ministry of Transportation of Vietnam, discussed road safety laws in Vietnam, including the government’s requirements for driving a motorcycle and minimum standards for motorcycle helmets. Mr. Wyatt Chan, a local expatriate, shared an account of a serious motorcycle accident he witnessed while living in Vietnam.

Ms. Trang Truong, Program Manager at AIP Foundation, shared the successes and challenges of AIP Foundation’s helmet campaign in Vietnam since 2007, when a universal helmet law was introduced to the country, and emphasized the importance of correctly wearing quality, standard helmets. Students in attendance also signed a pledge committing to play a part in reducing road accidents in Vietnam by making safety a priority and encouraging others to do the same.