A stringent law passed in 2007 has made motorcycle helmets compulsory in Vietnam—and has proven that such laws, which require political will more than money, can have a big impact on public health. Thanks in part to hefty fines, helmet use jumped from less than 40% to close to 100% literally overnight when the law took effect. Research suggests that its passage saved more than 1500 lives the first year and reduced serious head injuries by almost 2500. Researchers at the Center for Global Development plan to include the Vietnam law in the next edition of Millions Saved, a book on proven successes in global health, in hopes that it will inspire other countries.
Language: en
LA - en SN - 0036-8075 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.345.6202.1261 ID - ref1 ER -