Lifestyle

The Dangers of Helmetless Motorcycling for Vietnamese Children Under Six

Note from the Editor:

13 February, 2025

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This article is penned by Ray Kuschert, an Australian expat with over a decade of experience living in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a unique perspective based on his personal observations and experiences in the country.

In contrast to many nations, Vietnam’s legislation permits children of all ages to ride as passengers on motorcycles, and notably, does not mandate helmet use for those under six years old.

During a recent photography excursion in Ho Chi Minh City, I managed to capture a captivating close-up of a father and daughter riding a motorbike together. The father wore a helmet, while the young girl, approximately three or four years old, stood in front of him, unprotected.

When I shared this image on social media, numerous comments criticized the father for endangering his child by not providing a crash helmet. However, it’s important to understand that Vietnam’s laws specifically allow children under six to ride motorbikes without helmets, and the father was adhering to these regulations.

I understand the concern and the potential for heightened emotions, but it’s crucial to consider the broader context. Allowing children to ride without helmets isn’t an arbitrary decision; it’s a result of practical considerations and a reflection of the country’s unique circumstances.

As Anthony Bourdain noted in his final Hanoi episode a decade ago, Vietnam has witnessed a shift from bicycles and motorbikes to cars and motorbikes. This evolution in transportation preferences has had a significant impact on road safety regulations.

Prior to 2007, wearing a crash helmet on a motorcycle was not legally required in Vietnam, similar to some U.S. states even today. However, between 2007 and 2011, changes in legislation emphasized the importance of helmet use, and it took time for this practice to become widely adopted.

Even as recently as 2012, when I first arrived in Vietnam, it wasn’t uncommon to see individuals riding without helmets. Nowadays, while helmet use is much more prevalent, you may still spot the occasional bareheaded rider, often in areas like Thao Dien, where a sense of entitlement seems to override adherence to the law.

Over time, road safety regulations have evolved, and enforcement has strengthened. However, when it comes to younger children, practical considerations come into play. For instance, a properly manufactured motorcycle helmet can be too heavy for a small child, causing strain on their neck and body during the constant movement of the motorbike.

Additionally, bicycle helmets, while a potential alternative, are not designed for motorbike use and can obstruct the vision of smaller riders, such as mothers carrying children. This presents a challenge when considering legislative options.

The reality is that for most Vietnamese families, a car is unaffordable, and a motorbike is their primary means of transportation. With children often needing to accompany their parents, the government has had to make a difficult decision to balance safety with the practicalities of daily life.

As a result, Vietnam’s laws currently exempt children under six years old from wearing helmets, recognizing that there is no suitable alternative product available to improve their safety on motorbikes. Additionally, the legislation emphasizes the need for motorcycle-specific helmets and the correct use of straps to secure them.

A 2018 report by the World Health Organization also acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts, rating its laws on helmet use as ‘Good’ in their online data portal.

A woman navigates the streets of Ho Chi Minh City with a child on her motorbike. Photo: Ray Kuschert

Speed is another crucial factor in this discussion. With a city speed limit of 40 km per hour, rarely reached due to traffic, motorbikes in Vietnam typically travel at slower speeds, especially when carrying children.

Analyzing the statistics on traffic-related deaths in Vietnam from 2013 to 2023 reveals a consistent decline from 2013 to 2021, followed by a sharp increase in 2022, which may be attributed to post-COVID-19 factors and a surge in car purchases, according to statista.com.

In 2022, Vietnam experienced a record year for car sales, with 500,000 vehicles sold. This influx of new and inexperienced drivers likely contributed to the rise in accidents.

As someone who rides a motorbike daily in Vietnam, I’ve witnessed my share of erratic road behavior. However, in my twelve years here, I’ve never seen anyone compromise a child’s safety on a motorbike. It’s essential to understand that this issue isn’t just about achieving a utopian ideal of safety; it’s about finding a balance between logic, culture, and necessity to allow people to live and enjoy their lives.

If the government were to ban children from riding on motorbikes, it would have a detrimental impact on the country’s cultural fabric. Grandparents would be unable to spend time with their grandchildren, and families would be restricted in celebrating special occasions together.

For me, one of the greatest joys of living in Vietnam is the simple act of stopping at a traffic light and exchanging smiles and a few words with a child, whether in English or Vietnamese. These moments encapsulate the essence of Vietnam’s culture, and they are precious to me.

While Westerners may view strapping a child into a car seat and driving at 80 km/h as the epitome of safety, it’s important to recognize that high-speed car accidents in basic vehicles pose an equal or even greater risk of death or serious injury, regardless of location.

I believe that Vietnam’s road rules, as they stand, strike a logical balance between safety and practicality, considering the cultural context and the situation on the ground. They enable life to continue in communities and cities across the country, showing respect for the less fortunate.

When we take a step back and consider the broader context of Vietnam’s road rules, we see a country that cares deeply about its people. The laws are designed to protect lives and ensure that individuals can continue to care for their loved ones. It’s essential to remain culturally sensitive and consider all factors before passing judgment.