Extra youngsters are driving electrical scooters (e-scooters), however they arrive with critical security considerations.
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 higher influence in crashes, leading to extra critical accidents. Like nationwide traits, we’re seeing an increase in fractures, head accidents and trauma to multiple physique system.
Why Are Electrical Scooters Extra Harmful?
- Excessive speeds – Quicker speeds imply higher power in crashes, making accidents worse.
- Inexperience with visitors legal guidelines – Tween and teenage riders lack the data of street security and visitors guidelines.
- Dangerous conduct – Younger riders are likely to take extra dangers, similar to driving with out helmets, ignoring visitors alerts and carrying passengers.
The Beneficial Age for Using E-Scooters
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that youngsters be not less than 16 years of age to trip an e-scooter. Youngsters youthful than that lack the judgement and expertise to navigate visitors safely. Research present that kids incur extra accidents than adults on e-scooters, and males greater than females.
Whereas e-scooters seem to be a enjoyable and straightforward manner for youths to get round, the dangers outweigh the advantages. A foot-powered scooter will nonetheless get them the place they should go, and so they’ll get some train too!
Security Ideas for Riders of E-Scooters
In case you really feel like your youngsters are accountable sufficient to trip an e-scooter, take these steps to scale back the danger 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.
- All the time put on a helmet – Helmets cut back the danger of head accidents in case of a fall or crash. The enhance in head accidents exhibits that youngsters aren’t carrying them as a lot.
- Use correct footwear – Closed-toed sneakers assist defend the ft and ankles from accidents.
- Experience alone – Carrying passengers can knock them off stability and enhance the danger of crashes.
- Observe visitors legal guidelines – Riders ought to cease at cease indicators, yield to pedestrians, use bike lanes when out there, and look each methods when crossing streets.
- Know native guidelines – Many cities don’t permit driving e-scooters on sidewalks as a consequence of security considerations with pedestrians.
- Keep away from distractions – No texting, utilizing cell telephones, or carrying earbuds whereas driving. This may forestall youngsters from listening to visitors.