Four trials to crack the helmet quandary

April 8, 2015

Thailand has the second highest rate of road deaths per population in the world. Of those who die on Thailand’s roads, 73% are motorcyclists. Despite a legal mandate, less than half of motorcyclists, and only 7% of children, wear helmets. To identify possible models to increase child helmet use, the Asia Injury Prevention (AIP) Foundation conducted four small- scale trials: (1) a helmet bank, (2) police enforcement, (3) petrol station retail, and (4) taxi stands. Trials 1, 2, and 4 resulted in increased child helmet use, but each had instructive challenges and strengths. Trial 3 presented a number of challenges leading to the conclusion that child helmet retail at petrol stations is not viable.

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