New York City, NY top attorney, handles MTA, bus accidents, construction, medical malpractice, doctors errors, airline injuries & death, and wrongful death cases. Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter consistently delivers results.
A July 2018 motor vehicle accident involving popular actor George Clooney has drawn attention to the dangers of scooters and other small motorized vehicles. According to a BBC report, Clooney sustained minor injuries when another motorist “did not respect the right of way” and struck Clooney while he was riding his scooter in Italy. Clooney was taken to the hospital, where he received an MRI and was later released.
While it’s great news that Clooney wasn’t seriously hurt, other scooter motorists haven’t fared as well. Scooters, mopeds, and motorcycles put a person at a much higher risk of being injured or killed in a crash, as they are much smaller than cars and more exposed to outside elements. Here’s what you need to know about staying safe on a scooter.
Why Scooters Have Become More Popular
Although scooters tend to be more popular overseas, they are picking up steam in the United States as well. Experts say there are a couple of reasons why a growing number of people are turning to scooters instead of four-wheeled vehicles.
One reason for the boom in scooter sales is the high cost of fuel. Although gas prices have declined over time, they continue to remain higher than in previous years.
Also, many people are still feeling the financial pinch of the last recession, and a scooter presents an easy way to stretch their transportation budget. With a scooter, you can expect to get about 100 miles to the gallon, which is around five times more than a typical car.
For other people, a scooter is a more pleasant alternative to being cooped up in a car on their drive. Some people also like the small size of a scooter, which allows them to navigate traffic on busy city streets more easily. In some cities, you may also pay less to park your scooter than you would for a full-size parking spot.
Additionally, scooters tend to be much cheaper than motorcycles, with some models going for under $1,000. Likewise, insurance rates tend to be lower for scooters than cars and other types of vehicles.
For a growing number of people, a scooter is a fun weekend vehicle that’s perfect for sightseeing or just getting around town in the summer months. Scooters are also popular in tourist areas, where they are typically cheap to rent and save your feet from pounding the pavement as you take in the sights.
However, tourists who are inexperienced when it comes to riding a scooter are at an even higher risk of being involved in an accident, as they must deal with both an unfamiliar vehicle and unfamiliar terrain.
Scooter Safety Concerns
Of course, for every advantage scooters offers, there are equal disadvantages. Simply put, scooters are far more dangerous than driving a car or truck. Many experts argue that they’re even more dangerous than motorcycles, as the majority of scooters are quite small and lightweight.
It’s also harder for other motorists to see scooters, and they might drift into your lane or turn directly into your path because they don’t notice you. On a scooter, you have a higher risk of being involved in a sideswipe, rear-end collision or a head-on accident.
Tips for Staying Safe on a Scooter
If you ride a scooter or you’re thinking about buying one, there are several things you can do to stay as safe as possible when you ride.
- Wear a helmet – There is a great deal of evidence that shows helmets save lives and prevent traumatic brain injuries. You may not like having helmet hair, but protecting your skull is far more important than your hairstyle.
- Obey the speed limit – Speed limits aren’t just for cars. Just because you feel like you can zip around more efficiently on a scooter doesn’t mean it’s safe to exceed the speed limit.
- Don’t tailgate – In a rear-end crash, you are likely to be thrown over the front of your scooter and propelled into the air. This type of accident can lead to serious or fatal injuries. Keep a safe distance between you and the rear of other vehicles.
- Slow down at intersections – Take it easy when you approach intersections. Keep in mind that being on a scooter means you’re not always easy for other motorists to spot. If possible, make eye contact with other drivers to ensure that they see you before you turn or pass through an intersection.
- Stay out of blind spots – As much as possible, try to stay out of other cars’ blind spots. Most cars have four blind spots, which include one in the front, one in the rear, and two on each side.
New York Injury Lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter – (T): 212-736-0979
Sources:
- https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-44777798
- https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-16844525
- https://20somethingfinance.com/the-economics-of-owning-a-motor-scooter-vs-a-car/
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