Parents warned over popular Christmas present causing 'risky' behaviour on Aussie roads
One community is working together to help educate e-scooter and e-bike riders after a spate of dangerous behaviour.
Parents considering gifting their children an e-scooter this Christmas may want to reconsider as concerns grow over an increase in “illegal and dangerous” behaviour on Aussie roads.
The Sunshine Coast community is on high alert after “too many instances of children and adults” putting themselves at risk of serious injury when riding the popular devices and e-bikes, Queensland Police said this week.
This year, up until August 31, officers handed out more than 3,730 infringements to people using what the state describes as a personal mobility device. The number one reason riders copped a ticket was for failing to wear a helmet, which carries a $161 fine.
In a bid to crack down on worrisome behaviour, Sunshine Coast police announced this week it was partnering with the Department of Transport and Main Roads, schools and other groups to educate the community and encourage safer use. The move comes just months after the Sunshine Coast Council ended its public e-transport trial following mixed feedback, and comes on the same day it was revealed a 12-year-old Victoria boy died after his e-scooter collided with a car.
E-scooter riders warned after spate of deaths, serious injuries
While private e-scooters are legal on Queensland roads, given the rider is over the age of 12 and they follow the same rules as motorists, there has been several recent tragedies involving what is expected to be a popular Christmas present.
Last month, a teenage girl from Townsville died following a crash involving an e-scooter, a 4WD and a motorbike. Days later a 15-year-old boy in Brisbane succumbed to his injuries after his e-scooter collided with a truck.
Joanna Robinson, general manager at the Queensland’s Department of Transport and Main Roads, said most e-transport accidents are single-vehicle crashes that involve the rider not following the rules. “This should go without saying — please wear a helmet and buckle it up, and do not drink and ride. Riders ignoring these rules are risking more than just a fine — it could cost them their lives,” she said.
“Heading into the festive season — we particularly want to remind parents, that e-scooters and e-bikes are not toys, and if they are giving these devices as presents, to ensure the device is legal and that children know the rules, and follow them.”
Sunshine Coast Health Services said on average it sees one e-scooter-related injury every three days, predominately occurring in teens aged 14 to 15 and sometimes resulting in significant, life-changing injuries. “Many of these injuries are the result of risk-taking behaviours, including riding at excessive speeds, doubling and not wearing helmets,” trauma specialist Dr Andrew Dobbins King said.
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Shared e-scooter riders less likely to wear helmet
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety Queensland research professor Narelle Howarth said observations in Brisbane have shown that riders of hired e-scooters are much less likely to wear a helmet than those riding private e-scooters.
“We also found that people riding an e-scooter on the road were more likely to wear a helmet than those riding on the footpath,” she said. Riders are allowed to travel 12km/h on shared paths and footpaths and 25km/h on bicycle paths according to state regulations.
While the Sunshine Coast’s community outreach push may educate some people about the likely consequences of e-scooter falls, research suggests “many riders don’t perceive e-scooters to be risky”.
“Public e-scooters are easier for governments to regulate in terms of speed, and where they are ridden but often their riders are inexperienced,” Professor Howarth said.
“Riders of private e-scooters are generally more experienced and use more protective gear. However, unfortunately some private e-scooters can travel at high speeds and we need better controls at the national level to prevent these being imported.”
Private e-scooters are also legal in Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia and the ACT, but are prohibited on roads, paths and suburban streets in NSW and South Australia. Residents may however ride the devices on privately-owned properties.
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