Everyone has been looking for ways to get around without succumbing to high gas prices. Some residents opt to take the bus, ride a bike, or walk to and from their destination. However, nothing beats the speed and efficiency of traveling around the city with an E-Scooter.
According to the current news, e-scooters sales spiked this year, amounting to over $626.8 billion. It is expected to increase in the coming years as traffic congestion, and gas hike worsens. Additionally, there are now several sharing services for people who want to rent e-scooters instead of purchasing them.
Unfortunately, with the rise of e-scooter use, there’s also an increasing number of electric scooter-related accidents. In fact, the CDC estimated that 20 out of 100,000 e-scooter riders could get into an accident or suffer injuries during transport.
So, here are some important tips on how to keep yourself一and others一safe from accidents and injuries the next time you ride your scooter.
- Wear protective gear
Despite being a different breed of vehicle, electric scooters are subject to similar accidents and risks as that of bicycles and motorbikes. An e-scooter’s small wheels and limited deck can send you crashing down when a larger vehicle slightly bumps you or whizzes past you at top speed.
You may not be able to control the behavior of drivers around you, but you can ensure your safety by wearing the right protective gear when riding. Some examples include a DOT or CPSC-certified helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, hand and eye protection, and a reflective vest.
But out of all these safety gear, a proper helmet is the most necessary. Wearing a helmet when you ride can be the difference between life and death. According to studies, protective headgear greatly decreases the likelihood of fatality and several injuries, such as head trauma, bone fractures, and face injuries.
- Practice proper driving etiquette
It’s vital to follow all highway safety rules and regulations, especially since e-scooters are a fairly new addition to main roads. Many urban area drivers are not yet familiar with such a vehicle, so it’s important to always be a step ahead of them when it comes to safety.
Here are some road etiquette tips that you can practice the next time you ride your e-scooter:
- Keep your focus on the road. Save the sightseeing for later and train your eyes on the road ahead. A small bump or stray twig can send you tumbling down if you’re not careful.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars to maintain your balance.
- Stay on the side of the road or use bike paths and lanes if available.
- Slow down and use hand signals when turning. You can also use your elbow or feet if you're uncomfortable using your hands. Additionally, you may also install signal lights on your scooter instead.
- Maintain a safe speed
- Keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
Lastly, you should always wear sensible shoes and appropriate clothing when riding to prevent avoidable accidents.
- Follow road and traffic rules
Road signs and traffic rules are there to avoid accidents and chaos. This requires everyone to follow these rules, including e-scooter riders, bikers, motorists, and pedestrians. So before going onto the main and busy road, make sure to familiarize yourself first with basic traffic rules and regulations.
- Be predictable
Practicing predictable driving allows other drivers to know your intent or next move, thus avoiding sudden accidents. By making your road intentions clear, other riders can respond accordingly while still observing traffic rules, thus maintaining safety.
For example, if you signal that you’re going to take a left turn at the intersection, the driver behind you can expect that you’re going to slow down as you turn on the left side. They will then adjust their speed accordingly and not be cough off-guard.
Here are some ways how to practice predictability on the road.
- Use light or hand signals when making turns.
- Position yourself in the proper road lane if you intend to make a left or right turn.
- Maintaining a safe and steady speed and distance.
- Avoiding sudden movement or changes.
- Always check your mirrors and blind spots.
- Conduct inspections before every ride
Be a responsible rider by inspecting your scooter regularly. Perform a pre-flight check to ensure that everything is working and in order. For example, you should make it a habit to check if the tires are in good condition, the battery is fully charged, the brakes are functional, and the folding mechanism is locked in place.
You can also perform a visual inspection of the vehicle. Does it have any unusual damage or a missing screw? Does the stem look unsteady? Are the brake discs bent?
For first-time riders, it’s essential to read the manual first and do a test drive before going for a ride. Practice using the e-scooter on an empty lot or less busy area before embarking on actual main roads.
Additionally, it’s also important to familiarize yourself first with the E-scooters manuals and safety instructions.
- Know what to do during an accident
Of course, no matter how careful you may be, accidents may still happen due to road conditions, other vehicles, and drivers. So besides following the above-mentioned safety tips, it’s also important to know what to do in the face of an accident.
First off, you should seek medical attention right away, even if you don’t see any immediate injuries. Then call the police and report the incident. While waiting for the authorities, you can gather as much evidence as possible, such as photos of your injuries, e-scooter damage, the name of the other driver, their license number, and contact number.
All information could become helpful primarily if the accident were caused by the negligence of the other party involved. For such cases, it’s imperative to seek the legal help of the best accident lawyer in Broward County.
You do not need to hire an attorney when you get into road troubles, especially one where you’re not at fault. However, an excellent lawyer can definitely help you get the justice you deserve by filing a lawsuit against the negligent party. Plus, your legal counsel can also help get the maximum amount of compensation needed.
Attorney Rafael A. Gonzalez of AskMyAttorneys is one of the best Pembroke pines car accident lawyer. He specializes in handling car accident claims, pursuing the negligent party, and filing a lawsuit if needed.
Besides e-scooter and car accidents, Atty Gonzalez also excels in other practice areas, such as:
What’s more, if you or someone you know needs a Spanish speaking lawyer near me, then you’re in luck because Atty. Rafael Gonzalez is here to help.Contact our English- and Spanish-speaking lawyers for your free case evaluation!
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