New research from the Road Safety Authority reveals that nearly one in four e-scooter users—24 per cent—have been involved in a collision, reports Breaking News.
Additionally, 32 per cent reported experiencing a near miss, with all recorded collisions involving male users.
The data also shows that 5 per cent of adults used an e-scooter in the past year, with 75 per cent of those users being under 35 years old, reports Breaking News.
E-scooter use is heavily concentrated in the capital, with 65 per cent of users living in Dublin and 97 per cent residing in urban areas.
Among users, 13 per cent admitted to carrying a child as a passenger, while 8 per cent said they have carried another adult, reports Breaking News.
In terms of speed, 36 per cent of all respondents felt the current limit is “too high,” a view shared by 30 per cent of frequent users.
Safety gear usage was also addressed, with 60 per cent saying they wear a helmet and 66 per cent reporting that they use reflective clothing while riding, reports Breaking News.
Dr John Cronin, an Emergency Medicine Consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital and a member of the Road Safety Authority board, said the findings match the types of injuries being seen in emergency departments.
“E-scooters have quickly become a popular mode of transport, particularly in our cities — but with that popularity comes vulnerability. As an emergency medicine consultant, I’ve seen just how frequent and serious the injuries can be when things go wrong – from broken bones to serious head trauma. E-scooter users have very little protection and very little room for error, especially when mixing with larger, faster vehicles. Everyone on the road — whether walking, cycling, driving, or using an e-scooter — has a role to play in keeping each other safe. By staying alert and respectful, we can prevent lives from being tragically lost or forever altered by serious injury,” reports Breaking News.
Tell us your thoughts in the Facebook post and share this with your friends.
