Vietnam to ban small-chested drivers

Vietnam’s Communist government is seeking a ban on drivers with a chest smaller than 28 inches from driving motorbikes in traffic.

Vietnamese roads are some of the most unsafe in the world. The number of accidents and fatalities has more than tripled over the past decade. People have taken advantage of rising living standards in one of the world’s poorest countries to upgrade from bicycles to low-powered motorbikes but riders flout traffic rules and shun helmets.

Hospitals are overwhelmed with cases of head trauma. In 1990, 6,110 accidents with 2,268 deaths and 4,956 injuries were reported. In 2000 Vietnam reported 21,538 accidents with 7,095 deaths and 21,538 injuries.

About 95 percent of the traffic is on two wheels, dominated by small motorbikes that are perfect to putt along at under 35 mph and roll up onto the sidewalk to park.

The US State Department says, “Traffic in Vietnam is chaotic.” Traffic accidents occur frequently and the most common victims are motorbike riders and pedestrians. At least 30 people die each day from transportation-related injuries and many more are injured, often with traumatic head injuries. Traffic accident injuries are the leading cause of death, severe injury, and emergency evacuation of foreigners in Vietnam. Traffic accidents, including those involving a pedestrian and a motorized vehicle, are the single greatest health and safety risk U.S. citizens will face in Vietnam.

The average Vietnamese male is only 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 126 pounds. The average woman is only 5 foot 1 inches and weighs about 103 pounds.

The government is looking to ban those who are too short, too thin or too sickly from driving.

“From now on, padded bras will be best-sellers,” said Bo Cu Hung, a popular Ho Chi Minh City blogger.

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