Injuries from scooter accidents can be minimized by wearing helmets, riding at safe speeds, wearing protective gear, avoiding alcohol before riding, choosing safe riding areas, and receiving proper training.
Protective gear used by motor scooter riders significantly reduces injury severity in the case of an accident, helmets reducing the risk of fatal injury by 37% to 42%.
Motor scooter accidents may result in serious injuries, and many of these are preventable. Understanding the most common risk factors can significantly reduce the likelihood of an accident and the severity of injuries one can suffer.
The following information provides practical safety measures that lower the risks of severe injuries in case of an accident.
Emerging evidence suggests that experience and rider training are linked with fewer accidents. Riders with safety training, such as proper turn execution and hazard avoidance, have been associated with lower injury rates in recent studies of scooter use. Learning proper riding techniques can reduce the likelihood of crashes caused by rider error.
Head and facial injuries account for a large share of emergency visits after scooter accidents, making helmet use the most effective measure riders can take to reduce the risk and severity of injury. In 2019, a study was published that found that over half of the intracranial hemorrhages and fractures were from scooter crashes, and 98% of patients weren’t wearing helmets.
While helmets are the most protective equipment, elbow and knee pads can prevent a significant portion of joint injuries in wheeled activities. Wearing protective gear can reduce the risk of fractures, abrasions, and major soft tissue injuries. Pads and guards complement helmet use to protect arms, knees, and other vulnerable areas during falls.
Researchers have found that speed plays a significant role in injury severity in crash dynamics. Based on simulation results, lowering scooter and vehicle speeds reduces crash injuries and their severity. An accident that occurs at a slower speed, especially in areas with pedestrians or heavy traffic, can be less severe.
At The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary, we represent scooter accident victims who have been injured by negligent drivers, poorly maintained equipment, or dangerous road conditions. In case you have been injured in a scooter accident, please contact our Miami office for a free consultation.