Abstract
BackgroundMotorcycles make up 81 % of the total vehicle population and 74 % of road traffic deaths in Lao PDR. Helmets reduce the risk and severity of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents by 72 %. Although Lao law mandates motorcycle helmet use among drivers and passengers, the prevalence of helmet use in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR is unknown. This project aimed to measure the prevalence of motorcycle helmet use among riders (i.e., drivers and passengers) in Luang Prabang.MethodsAn observational survey in Luang Prabang was conducted in February 2015 to measure the prevalence of motorcycle helmet use among drivers and passengers. Additionally, non-helmet wearing riders were surveyed to identify the reasons for helmet non-use.ResultsOf 1632 motorcycle riders observed, only 16.2 % wore helmets. Approximately 29 % of adults wore helmets while less than 1 % of all children wore helmets. When surveyed about attitudes towards helmet use, the majority of adult drivers indicated that they did not like how adult helmets feel or made them look. Additionally, almost half of motorcyclists who did not own child helmets reported that their child was too young to wear a helmet.ConclusionsOur finding that children wear helmets at significantly lower rates compared to adults is consistent with findings from neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Results of this study have implications for public health campaigns targeting helmet use, especially among children.
Highlights
Motorcycles make up 81 % of the total vehicle population and 74 % of road traffic deaths in Lao PDR
No prior helmet studies have been conducted in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR, which has experienced a rapid increase in motorization in recent years. This project aimed to measure the prevalence of motorcycle helmet use among riders in the city of Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Procedure and materials Motorcycle helmet use and non-use data was collected by census teams in four locations near schools and on main streets in Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
Summary
Motorcycles make up 81 % of the total vehicle population and 74 % of road traffic deaths in Lao PDR. Helmets reduce the risk and severity of injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents by 72 %. In Lao PDR, motorcycles are a common and integral means of transportation, making up 81 % of the total vehicle population [2]. As a result of the rapid growth in motorcycle use, there are increases in fatalities and injuries, head injuries, among motorcyclists. Injuries to the head and neck are the main cause of severe injury, disability or death among motorcyclists involved in road accidents [1]; approximately 88 % of motorcycle crash fatalities are due to head trauma [4]. Helmets decrease the risk and severity of injuries by 72 %, decrease
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