It’s almost spring, and it’s the perfect time to explore your city on an e-scooter. E-scooters are a fun and convenient way to get around. However, e-scooters can also be dangerous, and people involved in accidents can sustain serious injuries. Here are some tips for staying safe on e-scooters:
Wear a Helmet
One of the most proactive things you can do when getting on an e-scooter is to wear a properly fitted helmet. Less than 5% of e-scooter riders wear helmets, and that’s a serious problem. Advances in helmet technology have made them more comfortable and easy to carry around. There are no excuses for failing to protect yourself from head injuries.
Don’t Use Your Headphones
You’re probably tempted to tune out the world and tune into your newest playlist, but this can be dangerous. When cruising down the streets, it’s important to take the headphones off and focus on your surroundings. Without headphones, you are better able to focus on sounds coming from vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Decelerate When Riding Downhill
When you’re focused on exploring the city, it’s easy to stop paying attention to how fast you are going. E-scooters can pick up speed faster than you realize, especially when traveling downhill. Use your brakes liberally when going downhill.
Use the Bike Lane
In cities that allow it and have them available, you should always use the bike lane. Bike lanes are specifically installed for those individuals who are traveling on two wheels. If you are unsure if there is a bike lane where you’re traveling, Google Maps can help you find the safest route.
Obey Traffic Laws
When you are riding on an e-scooter, you are obligated to follow the same traffic laws that other vehicles are subject to. This includes stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. You must also yield to pedestrians and obey posted speed limits.
Contact an Experienced Accident Attorney
Even if you do your best to be safe, accidents can still happen. If you’ve been injured in an e-scooter accident, you may want an experienced personal injury attorney on your side. Gregg Goldfarb has been helping accident victims for over 25 years. Contact us online or call us at 305-374-7000 to schedule a free consultation.