UCSF Study Documents Rise in Mishaps
A recently released report from the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF), which looked at data from 2014 through 2018, found that the number of injuries sustained in accidents involving e-scooters more than tripled over the four-year period. The study found that scooter-related injuries went up by 222% and hospital admissions rose by 365%. Nearly a third of the confirmed injuries involved head trauma or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
The Numbers
Researchers documented approximately 40,000 e-scooter-related injuries throughout the United States over the four-year-period of the study, with the number of injuries escalating each year as e-scooter usage increased. The study found that e-scooters were used for nearly 40 million trips in 2018 alone. Of those who suffered injury, most were men (around two-thirds) and more than half were between the ages of 18 and 35. After TBI, the most common injuries were fractures (27%), scrapes and bruises (23%), and lacerations (14%).
The study also concluded that the actual numbers are likely higher, as many people injured in scooter accidents choose not to seek treatment for their injuries.
California’s Efforts to Reduce the Number of Scooter-Related Injuries
In an effort to address concerns about e-scooter safety, California legislators have put certain measures in place:
- E-scooters have a 12-mile-per-hour speed limit.
- E-scooters may not be ridden on sidewalks.
- If ridden on a street with a speed limit higher than 25 miles-per-hour, the e-scooter must be in the bike lane.
- E-scooter operators may not carry packages while in motion.
Contact Our Offices
At Weber & Nierenberg, we have more than 30 years of experience effectively handling personal injury claims in California, including motorcycle accidents. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices at 1-866-288-6010 to set up a free initial consultation.
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