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„Ride smart.” What can we do to prevent another child from dying on a scooter?
Severe head injuries, broken bones, and fatalities. The figures surrounding electric scooter incidents are alarming. What steps can be taken to avert another child’s death while riding a scooter? A report from TVN’s 'Uwaga!’ program.
Be advised! The „Scooter with Your Head” initiative is being launched. Statistics indicate that immediate and decisive action is necessary to avert more tragedies concerning electric scooters.
Incidents involving electric scooters
This year, by the end of July, there have been over 600 injuries and five fatalities, with more than half of these incidents involving minors. We have covered tragic scooter accidents multiple times in Attention!.
„My son was in a critical state. It was genuinely a battle for his life. I was at my wits’ end as I didn’t know if he would survive or not,” said Anna, the mother of 11-year-old Bartek.
Without informing his parents, the young boy rented a scooter from a local provider. The scooter reportedly had its speed limiter removed, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h, which is three times the legal limit.
„He ascended a hill, and the handlebars detached. He skidded along the sidewalk for an additional five meters before coming to a halt,” recounted Mr. Jacek, the father of the 11-year-old.
In early August, we reported on the case of 15-year-old Kuba, who tragically lost his life in an electric scooter accident.
„I had warned him numerous times to wear a helmet. I told him that if anything were to happen, it would shatter my heart,” the grieving father recalled during an interview with a 'Warnings!’ correspondent.
In light of the rising number of accidents involving minors, the National Road Safety Council has suggested implementing a mandatory helmet law for individuals up to 16 years old.
„I advocate for maximum penalties for anyone who fails to wear a helmet, particularly children. Some may argue that children shouldn’t be fined. I contend that they deserve to live. If I received a fine of 1,500 złoty or even 5,000 złoty, I would prefer to pay it, feel angry, and destroy the scooter, but for Kuba to be alive. No amount of money can replace your child,” said Kuba’s devastated father in our coverage.
WATCH THE REPORT ON THE 'ATTENTION!’ TVN PROGRAM WEBSITE
Recommendations concerning e-scooters
- First and foremost, helmets. We insist that they become mandatory immediately.
- Secondly, legislation. This includes enforcing current regulations and possibly tightening them based on age. Presently, even a 10-year-old child can operate an electric scooter!
- Thirdly, the market. It’s time to regulate the e-scooter market, similar to other European nations.
While filming along Warsaw’s Vistula Boulevards, we encountered numerous individuals on electric scooters.
„I have three children, but none of them ride scooters. Kids have a different perspective on life; they can be reckless. Someone needs to take this seriously. I wish the age limit was 18. It should be entirely prohibited for children,” expressed one man.
