P&G to conduct survey on helmet use

P&G to conduct survey on helmet use

JAKARTA (JP): Consumer products manufacturer PT Procter &
Gamble (P&G) Indonesia, will conduct a survey on motorcycle
helmet use at four city universities next week, the company's
president Peter J.S. Laing said on Tuesday.

Laing said the survey, part of the "Rejoice Helmania"
campaign, aimed to raise student awareness about the importance
of wearing helmets in the capital.

"Results from the survey will be announced in May. We will
also give prizes to students who participate in the survey," he
said after the campaign was launched at the office of the
Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty
Eradication.

The four educational institutions are the state-run Indonesia
University and Jakarta Teachers Training Institute and the
privately-run Trisakti and Atmajaya universities.

He said a similar survey will be conducted later in other big
cities in Java, such as Bandung and Cirebon in West Java,
Semarang in Central Java, Surabaya in East Java and Yogyakarta.

Besides conducting the survey, P&G will also air public
service advertisements on the state-owned TVRI television station
and privately-run SCTV television station. Laing did not provide
details on the projected cost of the campaign.

P&G Indonesia based the campaign theme on increasing sales of
motorcycles across the country.

Motorcycle sales contrasted vehicle sales which have plummeted
during the economic crisis, Laing said.

The number of accidents involving motorcycle drivers totaled
40 percent of accidents, accounting for the most traffic
accidents, Laing said.

"We're committed to helping the government reduce the number
of fatal injuries caused by lack of helmet usage."

In his speech, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and
Poverty Eradication Haryono Suyono hailed the company's
initiative, saying the drive would have a positive impact on ojek
(motorcycle taxi) drivers and their passengers.

"Talking about helmet usage relates to the poor, many of whom
are motorcyclists. So the campaign will also improve people's
welfare," Hayono said. (jun)