Electric Scooters: Wave of the Future or Road Danger?
CANTON, Georgia. The electric scooter craze is spreading across the country faster than some of the wildfires we have seen this season—and according to some safety experts, electric scooters might be just as deadly. While electric scooters remain largely relegated to west coast cities like San Francisco, electric scooter companies have moved to bring electric scooters to new cities. Could Georgia cities be next? With electric scooter companies increasing in value and with demand high, it may only be a matter of time before we see electric scooters in Georgia.
According to QZ, critics of electric scooters claim that they pose the greatest dangers to pedestrians because riders sometimes use them on sidewalks. In California, electric scooters are prohibited on sidewalks, but there are wide reports that they are often ridden there. In fact, individuals have even witnessed situations where electric scooter riders have run after striking pedestrians. Yet, the laws regarding electric scooter use are patchwork. QZ reports that unlike California, in Denver, riders are only permitted to drive the scooters on sidewalks.
What is safe when it comes to these devices? Part of the issue is that we don’t know. Electric scooter use has only increased recently thanks to the companies that are introducing dock-less scooters to cities. Many cities are simply not equipped with enough data or information to know what is safest when it comes to scooter use.
The Salt Lake Tribune notes that pedestrians have actually been asked to pay closer attention, because electric scooter riders, apparently, cannot be trusted to do so. Too often the onus for safety has been placed on the more vulnerable road user. We see this with pedestrians and we see this when it comes to bikers.
Another issue that has been observed is the fact that the dock-less scooters allow riders to drop the scooters off wherever they stop riding them. There is a concern that these scooters might clog up city sidewalks, making sidewalks particularly hard to navigate for those with disabilities who may not be able to easily step over the scooters.
Emergency room doctors have also noted increased risks in their cities when the scooters have been introduced. Frequent injuries include head trauma, broken noses, broken wrists, shoulder injuries, and other fractures. In fact, some personal injury lawyers across the country have taken note that scooters pose unique hazards. Unlike bikes where riders tend to have experience when they rent them, many people are first-time scooter riders. Scooters can also operate at high speeds, increasing the risk of injury should users fall or get into an accident.
Regardless of whether you are walking, biking, or riding a scooter, road users have a responsibility to pay attention to the road and exercise caution. Amanda Hall Injury Law are personal injury lawyers in Canton, Georgia who work closely with individuals who have been hurt in crashes.
Amanda Hall Injury Law
145 Towne Lake Pkwy, Ste 200
Woodstock Ga 30188
678-445-7423
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