EDITORIAL
Local Initiatives Work

In this issue we report on three helmet initiative programs in Colombia, Malaysia, and Cambodia. In Malaysia, although a large proportion of the motorcycle riding population was wearing helmets, the helmets were not fastened correctly. A national campaign was developed to increase the number of people wearing properly fastened helmets. In Cambodia, there is no law requiring helmet wearing. A number of organizations have formed a coalition and are helping write a new motor vehicle code that will require helmet use for motorcyclists. This may take several years to put in place so in the meantime, United Nations organizations and nongovernmental organizations in Cambodia are establishing a policy to require helmet use among their employees during their commute to work. In Cali, Colombia, helmet use is being increased through focused campaigns.

All of these programs were designed and implemented by local organizations to respond to conditions specific to their countries.  That is one of the keys to successful programs – locally designed responding to local needs. 

In addition to the country reports, we discuss in this issue of Headlines the impact that the bicycle helmet law in California has had on reducing injuries in youngsters under 17, and we note that the American College of Surgeons has endorsed the policy that motorcycle helmet wearing should be mandatory. We also report on a study, conducted in the U.S. in 1994, that shows that full-face helmets do not significantly impede the motorcyclist’s ability to hear or see while operating a motorcycle.

We look forward to your comments about this issue. We’d like to hear from you about programs in your own areas.

Have a safe and pleasant Spring!

Philip L. Graitcer
Facillitator, WHO Helmet Initiative

CAMBODIA:
WHO SUPPORTS HELMET INITIATIVE
Although motorcycles make up more than 75% of the vehicle fleet in Cambodia and about 90% in Phnom Penh few people who ride on these motorcycles wear helmets. read more

COLOMBIA:
HELMET LAWS WORK
In Cali, Colombia, motorcycles are the main form of transportation for the working middle class. In this city of 2 million people, about 200,000 motorcycles are in use daily. read more

MALAYSIA:
HELMET UPDATE
In Malaysia, motorcycles are the most common means of transport. Motorcycles are cheaper to operate and, given traffic congestion and road conditions, more convenient than private automobiles. read more

SURGEONS SUPPORT HELMET LAWS
In a strong and authoritative statement, America’s leading surgical organization, the American College of Surgeons, stated its support of state laws that require helmet wearing. read more

DO HELMETS INTERFERE WITH HEARING AND SEEING?
Opponents of motorcycle helmet wearing claim that full-face helmets interfere with vision and hearing. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration sponsored a study to examine the effect of helmets on vision and hearing. read more

CALIFORNIA:
STUDY SHOWS HELMET WEARING LEGISLATION REDUCES INJURIES
Helmets reduce fatal and non-fatal head injuries in bicyclists. Legislation that requires the use of helmets increases helmet wearing. Only a few reports have linked a decrease in head injuries to helmet legislation. read more