An article published on CNN in March detailed the rising number of injuries and deaths from electric scooters in Austin, TX, and in other large cities in the United States. According to the article, at least 14,000 dockless electronic scooters around Austin with more e-scooters likely to be released onto Austin streets. However, the growing number of scooter accidents being reported concerned Austin city leaders, who requested assistance from the Centers for Disease Control in performing a scooter-related study of crashes and injuries.
Austin Dockless Electric Scooter-Related Injuries Study
The findings of the scooter-related injury study were published in April 2019. The CDC, in conjunction with the Austin Public Health Department and other agencies, researched potential scooter accidents that occurred in Austin from September 5, 2018, through November 30, 2018.
Some of the key findings of the study include:
- Two hundred seventy-one (271) cases of potential injuries involving an e-scooters were identified during the study period.
- Of the 271 cases, 160 cases were confirmed, and 32 cases were probable.
- Looking at 190 injured riders, injuries were broken down as injuries to the head (48%), upper limbs (70%), lower limbs (55%), arms (43%), knees (42%), face (40%) and hands (37%). There were also injuries to other areas of the body, including the chest and abdomen.
- Over one-third of the injured rider sustained a bone fracture in the e-scooter accident. Almost one-fifth of that number sustained multiple fractures.
- Approximately 80 percent of the injured riders sustained severe injuries, including fractures, severe bleeding, sustained organ damage, and injuries to the nerves, tendons, or ligaments.
- Fifteen percent of the riders sustained a traumatic brain injury. Less than one percent of riders were wearing a helmet at the time of the electric scooter crash.
The above statistics are just a few of the key takeaways from the report. The report goes into detail regarding where the scooter accidents took place (including a map of the scooter accidents in Austin); whether a motor vehicle or pedestrian was involved; the type of surface being traveled; the time of day; and the day of the week.
For more information and the complete discussion of the report, you can access the Austin Scooter Report here.
E-Scooter Accidents are Common in Other Cities Too
Austin is not the only city that is dealing with dockless scooter injuries. Many other major areas around the country. A study released earlier this year examined scooter accidents reported at two urban emergency departments associated with an academic medical center in Southern California from September 1, 2017, through August 31, 2018. The researchers also observed electric scooter riders at various public intersections surrounding the hospitals during a seven-hour period in September 2018.
According to the study, 249 individuals reported to the emergency room claiming injuries associated with electric scooters during the study period. Most (91.6%) were injured as riders. Common injuries reported were broken bones, head injuries, sprains, contusions, and lacerations. Two of the individual sustained severe injuries, and 15 people were hospitalized as a result of their injuries. Sadly, 94 percent of the riders observed by the researchers in September were not wearing a helmet while riding an electronic scooter.
The above findings are consistent with findings in other large cities. Hospitals and doctor’s offices are experiencing a tremendous increase in the number of patients being treated for scooter-related injuries and accidents. Unfortunately, some people have lost their lives in electric scooter accidents, including an individual in Austin.
Is It Safe to Ride an Electronic Scooter?
You are at risk for an injury on an electric scooter just as you are at risk for an injury when you are an occupant in a motor vehicle, riding a bicycle, or crossing the street as a pedestrian. If you are going to use dockless e-scooters, you need to remember some of the key safety tips provided by the City of Austin:
- Do not ride more than one person to a scooter.
- Yield the right of way to pedestrians, bicyclists, and anyone with a disability.
- Always wear a helmet when riding to protect yourself in the event of an accident.
- Do not ride on parkland.
- Never ride a scooter under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always park electric scooters with care to avoid creating a hazard.
Contact a Houston Scooter Accident Attorney for More Information
Weycer Law Firm represents scooter accident victims who wish to seek compensation for their injuries and losses. For a free consultation, call (713) 668-4545.