Extra youngsters are driving electrical scooters (e-scooters), however they arrive with severe security issues.
In contrast to foot-powered scooters and bikes, e-scooters can attain speeds of 15-25 mph. Some may even go above 45 mph. This elevated pace results in better influence in crashes, leading to extra severe accidents. Like nationwide developments, we’re seeing an increase in fractures, head accidents and trauma to multiple physique system.
Why Are Electrical Scooters Extra Harmful?
- Excessive speeds – Sooner speeds imply better pressure in crashes, making accidents worse.
- Inexperience with visitors legal guidelines – Tween and teenage riders lack the data of highway security and visitors guidelines.
- Dangerous conduct – Younger riders are likely to take extra dangers, comparable to driving with out helmets, ignoring visitors indicators and carrying passengers.
The Really helpful Age for Driving E-Scooters
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be at the very least 16 years of age to journey an e-scooter. Youngsters youthful than that lack the judgement and expertise to navigate visitors safely. Research present that youngsters incur extra accidents than adults on e-scooters, and males greater than females.
Whereas e-scooters appear to be a enjoyable and straightforward approach for youths to get round, the dangers outweigh the advantages. A foot-powered scooter will nonetheless get them the place they should go, they usually’ll get some train too!
Security Ideas for Riders of E-Scooters
In the event you really feel like your youngsters are accountable sufficient to journey an e-scooter, take these steps to cut back the chance of great accidents:
- Set up clear guidelines – Set pointers on the place, when and the way they’re allowed to make use of the scooter.
- At all times put on a helmet – Helmets cut back the chance of head accidents in case of a fall or crash. The improve in head accidents reveals that children aren’t sporting them as a lot.
- Use correct footwear – Closed-toed footwear assist defend the ft and ankles from accidents.
- Trip alone – Carrying passengers can knock them off stability and improve the chance of crashes.
- Observe visitors legal guidelines – Riders ought to cease at cease indicators, yield to pedestrians, use bike lanes when accessible, and look each methods when crossing streets.
- Know native guidelines – Many cities don’t permit driving e-scooters on sidewalks attributable to security issues with pedestrians.
- Keep away from distractions – No texting, utilizing cell telephones, or sporting earbuds whereas driving. This will forestall youngsters from listening to visitors.
