China: helmets and safety belts mandatory from June

As of June 1, the obligation for motorcyclists and safety belts for motorists will start in China. This was announced by the Chinese Ministry of Public Security. The police are reported to impose severe penalties on offenders and the ministry will launch an information campaign for the population. Failure to use safety devices is currently the leading cause of death in road accidents in China involving motorcycles, electric scooters and cars, with 80 percent of deaths resulting from head injuries. The ministry also urged local authorities to improve publicity on road safety and promote the habit of wearing a helmet among motorcyclists. He also promised to punish companies that speculate on the sale of the devices by increasing their prices. Cooperation with market regulators has been initiated at all levels. (ANSA-XINHUA).