Mobility scooter crashes a danger
Crashes involving mobility scooters in Lincolnshire represent a serious danger, a road safety expert has warned.
Tthere were six serious and 14 slight injury collisions involving mobility scooters in Lincolnshire between April 1 last year and March 31, this year.
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Last summer an 84-year-old grandmother died after being knocked down by a scooter in Sunderland.
Members of the House of Commons Transport Committee have even called for driving tests for riders.
Spokesman for Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership Brian Burns urged users to brush up on the Highway Code.
"Mobility scooter riders are extremely vulnerable when used on the road and don't have safety features to protect them in the same way other vehicles do," he said.
"I would urge users to take extreme care when travelling on a public road and to travel in the direction of traffic.
"Road signs and markings should be obeyed and where appropriate, conspicuous clothing should be worn and at night lights must be used."
The Department for Transports classes mobility scooters as invalid carriages.
Vehicle Class 2 includes powered chairs for pavement use only which have a top speed of 4mph.
Scooters which can be used on a road fall into the Class 3 category and have a top speed of 8mph.
They can also be used on footpaths at speeds not exceeding 4mph.
For more on the mobility scooter debate, see Tuesday's Echo.
6 Comments
by Steve, Lincoln Edge
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 3:04PM
“I am not against anyone having one of these but they need something on them so that pedestrians know they are coming.
Then there are the rules for them and us.
1. Anyone caught cycling in the High Street paved area can face a fine of £30 but not these scooters.
2. Bicycles are I believe deemed by the law makers to be vehicles so if this is the case they are not allowed on the paved araea of the High street between 10.00 and 16.00 so why does this not apply to these scooters.”
by lynn, lincoln
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 9:19AM
“These mobility scooters are great in allowing otherwise restricted people to have independence. My Father used to 'drive' one that went eight miles per hour, I just about had to run to keep up with him. However, I once saw him go straight over a pedestrian crossing without looking at all, and he was totally oblivious to a HGV screeching to a halt to avoid him, heart stopping minute. He also went around the supermarket at break-neck speed, almost doing handbrake turns in the aisles, that was when I made out he was nothing to do with me!”
by Jan, Gainsborough
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 8:54AM
“My husband has to use a scooter to keep his independence, I often walk alongside of him whilst he does this. I am absolutely amazed at the number of people that walk in front of him or wont move to one side to let him pass. These scooters are entitled to be on the paths the same as pedestrians and should be given the same respect. I have seen very little of this. We should be happy that we have the ability to walk and happy that those that cant can still manage their independence with a little co- operation from others.”
by Thomas, Washingborough
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 8:00AM
“@ Steve
After all these years of a nanny state 'grooming' people into accepting small losses of liberties here and there, and the idea nanny is responsible and we aren't, and the only way to sort it is more laws, rules and infringements on our freedom, in the name of a safer place. Should we regulate everything that causes 6 injuries or more? How ridiculous! Lets get rid of Speed Camera's (they don't work), get rid of CCTV (it doesn't work), get rid of Gov Databases (they don't work) be more sensible with regard Health and safety, reduce/streamline laws and bureaucracy.”
by Tom, Washingborough
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 7:48AM
“How ridiculous, so there has been 6 serious injuries out of how many people using them? This represents a tiny percentage, who are these safety representatives? Of course they have to spout this rubbish to justify their jobs. Hasn't the government got better things to do than more legislation...by making up new laws (for our safety) all the time, they are just criminalising more and more people. Don't give up liberty for security said Benjamin Franklin and he was right. The government should give up trying to use Health and Safety and Terrorism and Crime as an excuse for more laws...we don't need them.”
by steve, Lincs
Tuesday, August 04 2009, 7:36AM
“I find that the majority of these things are a flamin pest on the pavements, the people driving them expect you to dive out of the way as they hurtle towards you, most doing more than the 4 mile an hour limit.
Peolpe should have to take some kind of test before allowing them in public places, and make them wear hi-vis waiste coats.
nuff said...”