BANGKOK (July 25, 2016) – On July 26, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will host a press conference to launch a new social marketing campaign promoting motorcycle helmet use and a presentation of findings from the Cities Safer by Design report.

Vital Strategies and World Resources Institute’s Ross Center for Sustainable Cities were pleased to provide technical support to these initiatives, respectively, as part of the Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety. The press conference will take place in the Rattanakosin Conference Room, City Hall 1, starting at 8:30am.

WHAT: Press conference with reporters launching new helmet campaign as well as panel discussion for the launch of Cities Safer by Design, both addressing critical road safety issues in Bangkok.

WHERE: Rattanakosin Conference Room, City Hall 1, BMA

WHEN: July 26, 2016 – 8:30am to 1:00pm

SPEAKERS:

Claudia Adriazola-Steil, World Resources Institute

Skye Duncan, National Association of City Transport Officials

Soames Job, World Bank

Petchpong Kamchonkitchakarn, Director of Erawan Emergency Medical Services

Associate Professor Kunnawee Kanitpong, Ph.D, Asia Institute of Technology

Padkee Klomkon, Director of Policy & Planning, BMA Traffic and Transport

Kelly Larson, Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety

Thaweesak Lertpranan, Director General Traffic and Transport Department, BMA

Sandra Mullin, Vital Strategies

Deputy Commissioner Adul Narongsak, Chief of Traffic Police, Metropolitan Police

Ben Welle, World Resources Institute

Road crashes involving motorcycle drivers and passengers are a significant cause of death and injury in Bangkok, and helmet use enforcement along with better road design and infrastructure are critical components needed to save lives. It is estimated that 70 to 90 percent of road crash deaths in Thailand are among motorcycle users. Furthermore, less than one out of every four motorcycle passengers wear helmets, a trend that - if left unchanged - will result in more preventable deaths and serious injuries. At a press conference at 8:30 am, Bangkok officials will announce new steps to inform motorists of the consequences for helmet law breaking.

Designing cities in a way that reduces fatalities is also crucial. In Bangkok, more than 640 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in 2015, of which 80 percent were vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists. WRI’s Cities Safer by Design report, launching in Thai for the first time, offers ways to reduce traffic fatalities and recommendations for urban planners and policymakers to make cities and roads safer. A panel discussion at 10:30 am will feature experts who will discuss ways to reduce traffic fatalities by design and build better cities.

Members of the press are invited to attend the event, which will be divided into two sessions (helmet campaign launch 8:30 am, followed by road design panel discussion 10:30 am). Information on the event is below. If you plan on attending, please send your RSVP to Jon Steed at jsteed@vitalstrategies.org.

About Vital Strategies

Vital Strategies envisions a world where every person is protected by a strong public health system. Our team combines evidence-based strategies with innovation to help develop sound public health policies, manage programs efficiently, strengthen data systems, conduct research, and design strategic communication campaigns for policy and behavior change.

World Resources Institute

WRI is a global research organization that spans more than 50 countries, with offices in the United States, China, India, Brazil, Indonesia and more. Our more than 550 experts and staff work closely with leaders to turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being. WRI Ross Center for Sustainable Cities works to make urban sustainability a reality. Through global research and on-the-ground experience, our experts work with city and national leaders to spur action and improve life for millions of people.