Scooter Safety
- Be careful when Riding scooters
When using scooters, the following safety measures are recommended- taken from 'The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents' (RoSPA). For more information on safety visit www.rospa.org.uk
Where and where not to use scooters
- Scooters should NOT be used where they will cause danger, fear or inconvenience to other people or danger to the scooter user.
- Be careful on hills as scooters can pick up speed quickly.
- Avoid using scooters in the dark as they do not have lights or reflectors and therefore will be difficult for other people to see you.
- Scooters should NOT be used on the road as motorists will not be expecting to see them among the traffic and as they are so small they are again difficult to see.
- The small wheels can easily become stuck in drain covers or pot holes bringing the rider to an abrupt halt and could throw them to the ground in front of vehicles.
- It is also dangerous to cross roads on scooters as there could be a temptation to scoot off the kerb at speed in a bid to beat the traffic.
- Most scooter users seem to ride on the pavement. There is however no clear legal position about riding scooters on pavements. It has been suggested that it could be covered by the same legislation that makes it an offence to ride a bicylce on the pavement. But it seems more likely that police will decide whether not to take action according to local circumstances.
- Scooters should not be used on narrow or crowded pavements.
Protective Clothing
- It is predicted that wearing protective clothing when riding scooters could prevent more than 60% of scooter injuries.
- If you are a parent you should consider purchasing a helmet, knee, elbow and wrist protectors.
- Also wearing bright or fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective materials if the scooter is to be used in the dark. This will help other people see scooter users more easily.
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