EDITORIAL

Welcome to the Fifth Issue of Headlines!
In this issue of Headlines, we learn of helmet promotion activities in China, Thailand, South Africa, Iran, India, and the United States. Though laws requiring the use of motorcycle helmet are in place in many countries, for a number of reasons, helmet use is not as universal in these countries as expected. In some countries, laws are not enforced. In others, helmets that are available are uncomfortable or non-standard. In the United States of America, there is a disturbing trend emerging. As helmet laws in the individual states are being repealed, helmet wearing rates are decreasing and number of fatalities is increasing.

International Injury Conference
On 2-5 April 2006, the 8th World Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion will take place in Durban, South Africa. The theme “Data to Action” is a challenge to injury and safety researchers, practitioners and decision-makers to discuss ways through and by which such information can, and indeed must, be translated into concrete injury prevention and safety promotion action. This international conference is an excellent time to learn about new developments in injury control and safety promotion at the international, regional and national levels. During the conference, an informal meeting will be held with those interested in becoming involved in the WHO Helmet Initiative. Contact me if you are interested. For more information about the Conference go to the Conference website: http://www.safety2006.info.

Submit an article to Headlines!
We appreciate the written contributions submitted from various countries that appear in this issue of Headlines, and we welcome your submission as well.

Philip L. Graitcer
Facillitator, WHO Helmet Initiative

MOTORCYCLES INCREASE IN CHINA; INJURIES INCREASE TOO
With China’s developing economy has come a shift in modes of transportation. Walking and bicycling are giving way to motorcycling and use of four-wheel vehicles. Nationally, motorcycles accounted for 23.4 percent of all registered vehicles in 1987. This increased to 63.2 percent in 2001. Motorcyclist fatalities increased about 6-fold and injuries 9-fold between 1987 and 2001. Read More.

COUNTRY REPORTS: NATIONAL HELMET LAWS
We have received updates from India, Iran, and South Africa describing their experiences with laws requiring helmet use. Read More.

REPORT FROM AMERICA: MOTORCYCLE HELMET USE IS DOWN, INJURIES ARE UP
In 2003, U.S. deaths were up 11 percent over 2002 and were up almost 70 percent since 1997. There were 50 percent more deaths per mile in 2002 than in 1997. Yet no one is quite sure why. Perhaps the increasing age of riders has something to do with it. There are no precise statistics on the age of riders, but the federal government does track those who die. Deaths among people 50 and over were up 24 percent in 2002; deaths among those under 40 declined slightly. Read More.

MEASURING HELMET USE - DID THE PROGRAM WORK?
A recent paper from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines bicycle helmet use as a proxy for preventable bicycle injuries. The methods described in this paper could be useful for evaluating motorcycle helmet programs as well. Read more.

HEALTH MANUFACTURER PROMOTES HELMETS THROUGHOUT ASIA
Johnson & Johnson, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of health products, is providing motorcycle helmets and bicycle helmets to its employees and their families in Vietnam, China, India, Indonesia, and China. Read more.

INDIA: HELMETS ARE HOT!
Many riders ignore the national helmet laws in India for motorized two-wheelers (MTW). Only in Delhi and a few other large cities is the law being enforced.  Approximately 20% of all fatal traffic crashes in India involve riders of MTWs. MTWs are primarily used for commuting and as family vehicles. A survey indicated 72 percent of riders surveyed complained of the discomfort in wearing helmets in the hot Indian climate. Suggestions for the design of a new helmet are discussed. Read more.

CHINA: SCHOOL CAMPAIGN IN BEIJING
Believed to be the first school campaign of its kind in China, the International School of Beijing (ISB) held a school-wide bicycle safety week. Read more.

WHOSE JOB IT IT TO SEE THAT BICYCLISTS WEAR HELMETS?
Laws issued in 20 US states and 145 municipalities require helmet use.  Countless educational campaigns spread the word that helmets save lives.  But what about the role of the health care worker? Researchers reporting in the Wisconsin Medical Journal point out how physicians are in a unique position to advocate for bicycle safety. Read more.

INDIA
Fact sheet on motorcycle helmets available (PDF file 108kb)