subject: The Perks And Dangers Of Owning A Motorized Scooter [print this page] Scooters are becoming more popular than ever in the United States as an alternative mode of transportation.
And as the number of people who buy this type of motorcycle rises, the number of motorized scooter injuries increase as well.
Even with the rising numbers, a lot of people still see scooters as the more practical and safer mode of transportation.
It may be because scooters are considered:
Cheaper than other gasoline fuelled vehicle Gas scooters and even electric scooters are generally more affordable than cars and other types of motorcycles. The price of a new scooter can be between $500 and $3,000. That is by far more affordable than buying a new car.
Safer than cars and motorcycles Although this is subject to arguments, scooters are generally viewed as the safer type of vehicle compared to cars and motorcycles. Since scooters are small and sleek, it gives the driver more ability to maneuver away from the accident instead of withstanding the impact.
Easy parking Since scooters are generally small, it can be parked even in the tiniest parking space.
Environment friendly Scooters gives you better gas mileage with less emission.
Even with these advantages though, motorized scooters still comes with some risks.
Here are some statistics about motorized scooter accidents:
2005 saw more than 10,000 people injured as a result of scooter related accidents.
The road condition (ground and surface) accounts for 35% of all scooter accidents.
More than half of the people injured in scooter accidents are under the age of 15.
About 20% of all scooter accidents are caused by scooter defects. The most common safety defects are:
oDefective tires
oBrake failure
oUnsecured handle bars
oGas pedals that stick
A quarter of all injuries sustained in a scooter accident are fractures or broken bones.
About 36% of all scooter accidents are caused by the drivers themselves.
Despite these numbers, safety experts agree that scooters are still generally safe to drive. As with other motorcycles and bicycles, the danger comes when the scooter is in the middle of traffic.
Because of its size, scooters generally do not get the respect from other vehicles. Scoters usually gets cut off or overtaken by other vehicles especially on high speed roads.
These conditions can be dangerous and may lead to an accident.
To keep yourself safe while driving a scooter, you can follow the following tips:
Always wear a helmet while riding a scooter - It protects you from brain and head injuries.
Wear reflective clothing This is especially important at night to increase your visibility to other drivers.
Avoid having passengers - Scooters are generally designed for solo transport.
Ride on smooth paved roads Avoid potholes and other road obstructions.
If you were involved in a motorized scooter accident, consult a personal injury attorney to help you find the cause and the liable party for the incident.
