While electric scooters are a convenient urban transportation method, they can also be extremely dangerous. In 2020, scooter accidents were responsible for over 25,000 ER visits, many of which resulted in serious injuries.
Scooter riders can prevent many accidents by following proper safety regulations. Riah Greathouse of Greathouse Trial Law, a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, shares five scooter safety tips.
5 Scooter Safety Tips
Statistically, riding a scooter is far more dangerous than driving, cycling, or walking. E-scooter accidents often lead to grave injuries because of comparatively high speed and lack of protection for the rider.
The following tips will help you use an e-scooter without compromising your safety.
1. Wear a Helmet
Although Georgia currently doesn’t mandate helmets for scooter riders over 16, you should always wear a helmet when riding a scooter. Studies find that wearing a helmet may reduce the risk of severe injury or death by up to 70% for cyclists, bikers, and scooter riders.
Full-face helmets are the best choice for e-scooter riders because they protect the face and chin. However, even an open-faced helmet can prevent a serious head injury. Most importantly, choose a quality helmet that is practical, comfortable, and easy to use.
2. Stay Aware
Many accidents happen because of distractions. Avoid texting, talking on the phone, eating, or listening to music when riding an e-scooter.
When you ride in traffic, treat every vehicle around you as a potential source of danger. For example, if a vehicle in an opposite lane moves towards you, the driver may make a left turn without signaling. Keep your distance from cars, so you have time to brake if necessary.
3. Improve Your Visibility
E-scooter accidents often happen because a driver doesn’t notice the scooter rider. To keep visible, wear a reflective vest, especially when riding after dark or in poor visibility conditions.
Make sure your scooter has quality headlights and a bright brake-responding taillight. These will help drivers see when you’re heading towards them or braking. High-power headlights also help you see potholes and other dangerous road conditions.
4. Keep Up With Scooter Maintenance
Before you hop on your scooter, make sure it’s in proper working condition. Timely maintenance will keep you safe, reduce repair costs, and make your riding experience more enjoyable.
Check the tire condition and pressure, controls, display, bolts, and spare parts. Pay extra attention to battery maintenance: only charge your battery after it cools down and unplug it when full.
5. Follow the Rules
Many scooter accidents in Atlanta happen because riders fail to comply with electric scooter laws. Get familiar with e-scooter regulations, such as:
- Never ride a scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs that can impair concentration
- In Atlanta, refrain from riding e-scooters between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m.
- Keep your scooter’s speed under 15 mph (or 8 mph in applicable areas)
- Never ride an electric scooter on a sidewalk. If necessary, you can step down from your scooter and walk it on sidewalks or crosswalks.
- One rider only: never share a scooter ride with another person
- Obey all relevant traffic laws, signs, and signals
- Park your scooter according to local parking laws and make sure you don’t block bicycle, pedestrian, or wheelchair access
When to Contact a Personal Injury Attorney Near Me
Even if you do your best to follow all safety rules, you may still suffer a scooter accident, either as a rider or as a pedestrian. If you sustained scooter accident injuries in Atlanta, contact a personal injury attorney to find out whether you have a case.
You must file a personal injury lawsuit within two years after an accident in Georgia. However, we recommend hiring a scooter accident lawyer as soon as possible. Prompt legal action makes it easier to collect relevant evidence and improves your chances of winning.
Here is why Atlanta accident victims choose Greathouse Trial Law:
- Client-centered, empathetic service. We commit to giving our clients trusted legal support so they can focus on recovery.
- Full transparency. We always give clients a clear case evaluation and address all questions and concerns.
- Outstanding ratings. Greathouse Trial Law boasts top ratings on Google and Avvo, based on hundreds of reviews.
- Stellar track record. Our personal injury law firm has recovered over $50 million in personal injury cases.
- No upfront costs. You pay no fee unless we win.
Contact Greathouse Trial Law, LLC, for a Scooter Accident Attorney in Atlanta
If you or your loved one sustained injuries in a scooter accident, you need a skilled legal team on your side. Greathouse Trial Law, LLC, handles all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases, including car accident cases, motorcycle accidents, and scooter, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents.
For a consultation with a personal injury attorney in Atlanta, GA, call us at Greathouse Trial Law, LLC., at (678) 310-2827 or fill out our contact form.
Copyright © 2022. Greathouse Trial Law, LLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Greathouse Trial Law, LLC
260 Peachtree Street NW
Suite 803
Atlanta, GA 30303
(678) 310-2827
https://atltriallaw.com/
