Centers for Disease Control Will Investigate Scooter Accident Risks

TEXAS. Electric scooters were introduced to Austin in May. Since the launch, KXAN reports that emergency personnel have treated individuals in 28 scooter crashes. And, these numbers only refer to the injuries for which emergency personnel were called. These figures don’t account for the people who never sought help, either due to cost concerns or because injuries were minor. Another medical center reported even higher numbers, citing 41 severe traumatic injuries including head injuries, facial injuries, and orthopedic injuries. The University of Texas at Austin cites that 89 students sought medical treatment.

In light of these numbers, QZ reports that the city of Austin is asking the Centers for Disease Control to investigate the accident risks that electric scooters pose to the general public. The city reports that its current statistics are not significant enough to properly evaluate the accident risk that electric scooters pose to the public.

While electric scooters are often celebrated as a convenient and low emissions way to get around the city, many riders fail to wear helmets. While electric scooter companies claim that they encourage helmet use, the reality is that few riders carry around their own helmets, and the companies don’t provide helmets for users at electric scooter docks. The system works like this: electric scooters are located at docks throughout the city. Users can rent the scooters using an application. When riders arrive at their destination, they can leave the scooters there. Later, the company hires people to track down the scooters by GPS and return them to their docks. While the system can be incredibly convenient for users, it has come under fire from some local businesses that claim that the scooters clog up sidewalks and sometimes pose a safety hazard. Disability advocates have worried that the sidewalk clutter can make it more difficult for those with disabilities to navigate already crowded sidewalks.

Are scooters really a safety risk? Scooter riders, like bike riders, don’t have the protective chassis of a vehicle when accidents occur. Like bike riders, scooter riders are wise to wear helmets.

At the end of the day, scooter riders should take precautions, like wearing helmets. However, drivers also have a responsibility to share the road with all types of transportation modalities—and this includes scooters. All too often drivers are distracted behind the wheel—leading to catastrophic accidents and personal injuries.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a scooter accident in Texas, you may be entitled to seek damages for your lost wages, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. The Cooper Law Firm are personal injury lawyers in Texas who work with victims who have been hurt in a wide range of traffic accidents. You may only have a limited amount of time to make a claim under the law. Visit the Cooper Law Firm today to learn more about your rights.

Cooper Law Firm
501 N Third St,
Longview, TX 75601
Telephone: (903) 297-0037