Sweden, Viet Nam cooperate to make roads safer for children

The move is among activities of Sweden in a bid to make Viet Nam’s roads safer for children.

At the launch ceremony featuring cultural performances and safety demonstrations, 400 high-quality helmets were donated to students – a practical step toward reducing injuries in a country where motorcycles dominate daily transport.

Introduced in Sweden in 1997, Vision Zero is built on a simple principle: no loss of life in traffic is acceptable. This approach – combining safer road design, strict enforcement, and public awareness – has helped make Sweden one of the safest countries in the world for road users and inspired similar efforts globally.

With Vietnam’s high reliance on motorcycles, consistent helmet use, community responsibility, and education are key to reducing fatalities and protecting children on the roads.

In his speech at the event, Ambassador of Sweden to Viet Nam Johan Ndisi highlighted the importance of every day actions. He stressed that road safety is a challenge for every country, and Sweden’s experience with Vision Zero shows that change is possible when everyone takes responsibility. The event is a practical action – giving children helmets and reminding all that safety starts with simple choices.

“The Embassy of Sweden is pleased to support this campaign alongside local partners. Together, we hope to raise awareness and encourage simple actions that save lives,” said Ambassador Ndisi.

Trinh Thi Dung, Chairwoman of Yen Hoa Ward People’s Committee, said: “This campaign is about more than helmets. It’s about building habits and values. When parents set the example and schools teach safety, we can create a culture that protects our children every day.”

Do Thi Mai, Principal of Trung Yen Primary School, added: “Our students are the future. By equipping them with helmets and knowledge, we empower them to travel safely and inspire their families to do the same.”

According to World Health Organization Representative to Viet Nam Dr Angela Pratt, road traffic injuries remain a leading cause of death among children in Viet Nam, with 2000 children and young people killed every year. For anyone on a motorcycle, correct helmet use can reduce the risk of death in a crash by more than 6 times and the risk of brain injury by up to 74%, she said.

The event featured cultural performances, a traffic safety quiz, and helmet-wearing demonstrations. A collective signing of a traffic safety commitment closed the ceremony, symbolizing the shared pledge of students, teachers, and parents to prioritize safety.

In 2024, Viet Nam recorded 23,517 traffic accidents, resulting in 10,850 deaths and 17,535 injuries. While these figures show a slight decline compared to the previous year, they remain alarmingly high, with children among the most vulnerable road users.