Motorbike Safety – Saigon-style
Well, seems that the Traffic Police will start enforcing the helmet laws inside of Saigon starting next month. Actually, rumor says that in September, police will start citing people who do not wear helmets on motorbikes within the city (fines include impounding of motorbikes for 60 days). Others say it is just a Traffic Safety Awareness month and that the Helmet Laws will be enforced in December. Regardless of the actual enforcement dates, it is probably about time that all people wear helmets in the city now. There are way too many cars on the city roads now and accident between automobiles and motorbikes are more and more visible now.
I decided to buy a half-helmet from Cong Binh Sports in District 1. It cost me about 180,000 VND (or about $11 US). With the half-helmet, I can still hear the traffic. When I hit the highways, I will just switch to my full helmet. Avoid buying a visor, they are more of a nuisance and it costs more to replace them then to buy a new helmet.
(Display of Motorbike Helmets)
(Owner of Cong Binh Sports)
While you are at it, head to Citimart or kiosk on the corner of Dien Bien Phu and Hai Ba Trung and buy yourself a NeoMask Anti Pollution Mask. If you had not noticed, with the increase in cars and motorbikes, it is harder to breath on a motorbike. Just try talking to a friend on your motorbike during rush hour and you will realize that it is hard to breath. a Neomask should cost you about 75,000 VND at the most. The filter can be replaced every 6 months. I have been wearing my NeoMask off and on since August, 2004.
(I am wearing a NeoMask Anti Pollution Mask)
Cong Binh Sports, 74-76 Pham Hong Thai, District 1, HCMC, Vietnam (Opposite New World Hotel)
NeoVision NeoMask website: http://www.neovisionvn.com (website is currently down)
Related posts:
- Saigon’s worst motorbike rider Over a week ago, this woman on her motorbike nearly...
- September – Traffic Safety Month Time to get a motorbike license September 1st is the...
- Motorbike Madness II Date: April 13, 2006 Place: Cong Hoa Street, Tan Binh...
- My Bruises from the motorbike accident Last Tuesday as some you are aware, I was involved...
- Are the Traffic Police stopping Foreigners? Nope… Nearly a couple weeks ago, I posted an article in...
I will definitely try to get one when I am in Saigon. As I will be using corner scooter taxi a lot while there.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeNo mask is good if it does not seal your face. Airborne pollutants can easily zip through the gaps and get into your lungs. Check out TOTOBOBO Anti-virus, Anti-pollution mask (www.totobobo.com)
The mask is transparent so it's easy to check adjust to fits. It can even be customized to fit only your face.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeThe NeoMask is great. Stock up on them. If you can't find them at Citimart, then head over to the kiosks near the corner of Hai Ba Trung and Dien Bien Phu. They have the signs with the NeoMasks. Definitely wear them now.
:-)
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
LikeHey, sweet helmet! :)
I bought a Protek helmet myself for 160,000 at the Vespa Boutique.
I also brought some 3M filter masks that I bought from Home Depot in America but I haven't worn them cause I look like an idiot.
That neomask is something I've been looking for. I don't think those cloth masks do any good anyways.
- spam
- offensive
- disagree
- off topic
Like