Scooter Driver Seriously Injured in I-75 Crash – Are they Really Safer than Motorcycles?

In the early morning hours of March 5, 2019, a Tampa man riding a scooter on I-75 was seriously injured when struck from behind by another vehicle.   At the time, the man was driving very slowly in the outside lane when the other vehicle approached from behind, overtook him and collided with the rear of the scooter.  The impact caused the scooter to leave the roadway and crash onto the outside grass shoulder.

Because scooters are limited in their speed, many people consider them to be a safer alternative to motorcycles.  People also enjoy the perks of owning a scooter, such as their low cost and easy maintenance.  However, because of their smaller size, scooters can be just as dangerous as motorcycles.  Although the exact number of scooter accidents that occur each year is unknown (these accidents are often merged in with the statistics covering other two-wheeled vehicles – such as motorcycles), what is known is that accidents involving scooters continue to grow each as their popularity continues to grow.   What is also known is that injuries resulting from scooter accidents are more likely to be very serious, if not catastrophic.   For these reasons, it is important to exercise extreme safety while operating one.

Safety Tips for Scootering

Because of the inherent dangers in riding a scooter, especially around other vehicles, it is important to exercise extreme safety while operating one.   Although you cannot totally prevent accidents or injuries, you can take measures to minimize the likelihood that they will occur.   Below are some tips to help you remain safe while scootering.

1. Always wear a helmet.
2. If your helmet does not have a face shield, wear goggles or glasses to protect your eyes.
3. Make sure your scooter has functioning lights (headlight, tail light, etc.)
4. Wear proper clothing – ideally motorcycle approved outer clothing with appropriate padding.
5. Wear bright or reflective clothing to maximize your visibility at night.
6. Wear proper shoes – NO flip flops
7. Be conscious of the traffic around you.
8. Ride with the flow of traffic.
9. Proceed through intersections with caution.
10. Use caution while driving in parking lots.
11. “Be conscious of traffic from behind.
12. Know the road conditions.  Rocks, potholes, and uneven pavement can lead to accidents because scooters are not designed for such conditions.
13. Check the weather forecast before you ride.
14. The scooter should be used by only one person at a time. Do not carry additional persons or items while riding.
15. Do not put pull or tow anything.
16. Do not wear headphones.
17. Stay focused.  Always concentrate on the road.  Know your surroundings and what others are doing around you.
18. Do not ride if you have been drinking.
19. Maintain your scooter.  Keep it in good working condition.  Make sure the tires are in good shape and that all components are working properly.
20. Inspect your scooter regularly so any safety conditions can be identified before there is a problem.

Practice Defensive Driving for Safety

In addition to these tips, it is also important to drive defensively.  Some tips to consider include:

1. Constantly checking your mirrors to observe those around you.
2. Always driving at an appropriate speed for the conditions.
3. Leaving plenty of space between yourself and others, especially in heavy traffic.
4. Stay in a single lane and closer to the shoulder.
5. Always assume that other motorists do not see you.
6. Keep your hands on your brakes at all times so you are prepared to stop quickly if necessary.

If you were injured in an accident while riding a scooter, it is important that you know your rights as you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.   The Ruskin personal injury attorneys at Southshore Injury Attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.  Visit our website for free information, or contact us now for a free consultation.

Free Information

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1. Your Guide to Florida Car Accident Claims;
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which are available at our website, or you can click the link provided. You can also contact us at 813-797-5998 to talk directly to a Ruskin personal injury attorney now .