Facts About Scooter Accidents

Scooters and mopeds are the major modes of transportation in many European and East Asian countries. In the United States, these vehicles gained only moderate popularity as recreational vehicles in the 1970s and 1980s among urban dwellers and adolescents. With the recent downturn in the economy and fluctuating fuel prices, Americans have renewed their interest in mopeds and scooters as a major source of transportation. Scooters are not just for the elderly and are used by people from all ages with the growth in popularity.

If you already own a scooter or are considering purchasing one in the future, here are many important facts regarding scooters and legalities in the event you are in an accident whilst driving.  If you’ve been in an scooter accident contact us.

Scooter Benefits and Safety

As DMV suggests, there are several advantages to using a scooter as a mode of transportation. For instance:

  • Some scooters can be purchased for less than $1000
  • A scooters tank gets around 60-100 miles per gallon
  • While the gas mileage is good the tank does not hold much gas, but you can fill up the tank for around $5
  • Scooters are able to maintain a good speed while still being easy to park
  • Scooter accidents are most likely to occur in 2 lane roads
  • Most accidents occur between 4-7 PM

With these advantages come the slightly more harmful disadvantages.  Similar to riding a bike or a motorcycle you are extremely vulnerable on a scooter, unlike in a car where you are protected, you are very exposed on a scooter.

Here are some simple but effective ways to protect yourself from sustaining serious bodily injury during a scooter accident and tips for preventing a crash from occurring in the first place:

  • Always wear a helmet and eye protection
  • Stay aware of your surroundings at all times
  • Be more cautious than when behind the wheel of a car
  • Wear a riding jacket that is visible and bright
  • DON’T speed
  • Install reflective stick-ons on your scooter and helmet
  • Beware of the tailgater
  • Don’t drive distracted
  • Avoid blind spots
  • Give ample time to indicate you are turning
  • Exercise extreme caution when approaching intersections

Causes of Scooter or Moped Accidents and What to do if you are Injured

Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are, occasionally accidents still happen.  For the unprotected driver of a moped, scooter or motorcycle, collisions that happen in the blink of an eye can have devastating lifelong consequences.

Head-on collisions make up a majority of scooter accidents and are the most common and fatal type of scooter crash.  Scooter accidents also frequently occur on left hand turns.  Small scooters and mopeds are more difficult for other drivers to see, which is why scooter drivers must be fully aware of their surroundings at all times and not speed so that they can stop or slow down if a car driver doesn’t see them.

Lane splitting can cause serious accidents as well.  Never try to run between two lanes of traffic to get to your destination. It’s not worth your life.

Other common reasons behind many scooter accidents are:

  • Potholes
  • Uneven pavement
  • Dead animals and other debris in the road
  • Speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol

When a scooter accident does happen, oftentimes serious injuries occur.  Some of the more common ones include:

  • Head and/or brain injury
  • Neck and/or spinal cord injury
  • Back injury
  • Nerve damage
  • Loss of hands, feet, fingers and other limbs
  • Paralysis
  • Death

Just like everyone else on the road, you have rights as a driver of a scooter, moped or motorcycle.