Among the new forms of "sustainable mobility" that are spreading, also as a result of the pandemic emergency, the electric scooter is certainly prominent. Authorized to circulate on roads since June 2019, it is a useful means of transport for short urban trips, but it can prove dangerous.
Let's look at some data. The ASAPS (Association of Supporters and Friends of the Traffic Police) Scooter Observatory collected data on accidents involving scooters in the first four months of 2021. In total, 46 accidents were recorded, with 44 people injured and 2 deaths, a young woman and an elderly woman hit – while walking – by a group of scooter riders. One last number: of the injured people, 18 ended up with a reserved prognosis.
The main cause of accidents is failure to respect right of way. Following this are autonomous falls (watch out for speed!) and side collisions. This new form of mobility therefore requires caution and adherence to the rules of the Highway Code, for one's own safety and that of others.
This consideration led to the initiative by CNEL, the State Police, and the Ministry of Education: an educational video aimed at middle and high school students, who are major users of this new mode of transport. The video features a short story that encourages reflection and a clear and effective summary – by the Traffic Police – of the regulations in force.
The video will be broadcast on RAI channels and will be included – starting in September – on the EDUSTRADA platform as part of the Ministry of Education's training offer for the 2021-2022 school year. In the meantime, we add our personal invitation: when driving, even a scooter, never forget attention, knowledge and respect for the rules, and caution.
The video is available on the State Police website, do you want to watch it? Click here: video
