People involved in an electric scooter or e-scooter accidents are often injured badly. Facial and head injuries are common injuries faced by most e-scooter riders. The findings of the study are published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology.
Facial and head injuries from riding electric scooters have tripled over the past decade, according to a Rutgers study.
Head Injuries, Fractures More Common in E-scooter Crashes
People involved in an electric scooter or e-scooter crashes are often injured badly. Head injuries and fractures are common injuries faced by e-scooter riders.
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‘Facial and head injuries from riding electric scooters are on the rise. Therefore, wearing a helmet and following road safety rules can prevent unnecessary crashes and serious injuries.’
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Electric scooter use has been increasing in popularity as a more environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to gas vehicles. However, state helmet laws vary, and the study found that many people are being injured from not wearing appropriate protective equipment.
The study analyzed records in the Consumer Product Safety Commission's National Electronic Injury Surveillance system between 2008 and 2017 to determine the types and frequency of head and facial injuries resulting from motorized scooters. The system collates data from about 100 participating hospitals, which is then extrapolated to provide national estimates on injuries related to consumer products.
![Standing Electric Scooter Use Maybe the Next Public Health Issue: Study]( "Standing Electric Scooter Use Maybe the Next Public Health Issue: Study")
Injuries from standing electric scooters present a likely public health issue as health experts raise concern about electric scooter use and head injury rate.
The research team found that over the decade studied, emergency departments recorded 990 head or facial injuries sustained from electric scooter use -- or 32,000 estimated injuries nationwide. The incidences tripled annually from an estimated 2,325 nationwide in 2008 to an estimated 6,947 in 2017.
Most of the people injured were men between 19 and 65; 33 percent were children between 6 and 12. "Children use motorized scooters marketed as toys, but in reality, certain models can reach speeds of almost 30 miles per hour," said co-author Amishav Bresler, a resident at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Closed head injuries, such as concussion and bleeding or bruising of the brain, were most frequent, followed by facial cuts or abrasions. The study showed about 5 percent of the injuries were fractures, most frequently in the skull or nose.
In records where helmet use was recorded, 66 percent of those injured were not wearing helmets. The study also found that helmet use increased with age, from about 19 percent in toddlers to about 67 percent in senior riders.
Bresler noted a significant variation in state laws regarding motorized scooters. For example, the District of Columbia classified motorized scooters as "personal mobility devices" that are not subject to inspection or helmet laws while a new law in New Jersey regulates electric scooters in the same way as a traditional bicycle, requiring helmets in only those under 17.
"The United States should standardize electric scooter laws and license requirements should be considered to decrease the risky behaviors associated with motorized scooter use," said Bresler, who noted the success of such legislation in other countries.
"In 2000, Italy implemented a law mandating helmet use for all types of recreational scooter drivers -- legislation that reduced head trauma in scooter riders from about 27 out of 10,000 people before the law passed to about 9 out of 10,000 people afterward."
Source: Eurekalert
Standing Electric Scooter Use Maybe the Next Public Health Issue: Study
Injuries from standing electric scooters present a likely public health issue as health experts raise concern about electric scooter use and head injury rate.
Advertisement
The research team found that over the decade studied, emergency departments recorded 990 head or facial injuries sustained from electric scooter use -- or 32,000 estimated injuries nationwide. The incidences tripled annually from an estimated 2,325 nationwide in 2008 to an estimated 6,947 in 2017.
Most of the people injured were men between 19 and 65; 33 percent were children between 6 and 12. "Children use motorized scooters marketed as toys, but in reality, certain models can reach speeds of almost 30 miles per hour," said co-author Amishav Bresler, a resident at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Closed head injuries, such as concussion and bleeding or bruising of the brain, were most frequent, followed by facial cuts or abrasions. The study showed about 5 percent of the injuries were fractures, most frequently in the skull or nose.
In records where helmet use was recorded, 66 percent of those injured were not wearing helmets. The study also found that helmet use increased with age, from about 19 percent in toddlers to about 67 percent in senior riders.
Bresler noted a significant variation in state laws regarding motorized scooters. For example, the District of Columbia classified motorized scooters as "personal mobility devices" that are not subject to inspection or helmet laws while a new law in New Jersey regulates electric scooters in the same way as a traditional bicycle, requiring helmets in only those under 17.
"The United States should standardize electric scooter laws and license requirements should be considered to decrease the risky behaviors associated with motorized scooter use," said Bresler, who noted the success of such legislation in other countries.
"In 2000, Italy implemented a law mandating helmet use for all types of recreational scooter drivers -- legislation that reduced head trauma in scooter riders from about 27 out of 10,000 people before the law passed to about 9 out of 10,000 people afterward."
Source: Eurekalert
Wearing a Helmet When on Wheels Can Protect Kids from Head Injuries
Let's ride safe: Wearing a helmet while riding a bike, skateboard and scooter can protect your child from head injuries. So, parents make sure to teach your little riders on the importance of road safety.
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 Head InjuryHead injury or traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of disability among children and young adults that leads to varying degrees of physical and mental stability. Fortunately, it is also one of the preventable brain disorder. | Advertisement
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