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.