USA take note: As the number of states that have a compulsory helmet law goes up and down like a yo-yo, due to “freedom of choice” lobbies, Vietnam is considering forcing riders to wear helmets.

Only 15 years ago Vietnam was primarily a bicycle-pedalling society, but rapid economic development has made it the world's fastest growing motoring country. With this, the accident rate has soared - the estimated daily death toll of 35 people or more is one of the world's highest. Many of the victims are motorbike riders without protective headgear.

To combat this, the World Bank approved a $28.5 million loan to enhance a government campaign for road awareness, covering "speed-limit and drunk-driving enforcement, separation of traffic and motorcycle helmet law enforcement".