In the wake of a harrowing incident involving her 12-year-old daughter, a mother is urgently calling for stricter regulations on e-scooter safety in Australia. The accident, which occurred in Maroochydore, has sparked a renewed debate on the safety of these increasingly popular vehicles, especially when used by young riders.
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Rebecca Cronan’s daughter, Ruby, was riding her e-scooter on the footpath to school when tragedy struck. It’s believed she was hit by a car reversing out of a driveway, leaving her trapped underneath the vehicle. Quick-thinking bystanders rushed to her aid, potentially saving her life.
Ruby is currently recovering at Sunshine Coast University Hospital, having suffered a brain injury and collapsed lungs. Despite the severity of her injuries, she is now talking and walking, showing promising signs of recovery.
A Mother’s Regret and Call to Action
Mrs Cronan revealed that she had purchased the e-scooter for Ruby after months of persistent requests. Now, filled with regret, she’s urging other parents not to make the same mistake.
The concerned mother is now advocating for significant changes to e-scooter regulations. While current Queensland state regulations allow children aged 12-16 to ride e-scooters under adult supervision without a licence, Mrs Cronan believes this age range is far too young. She’s suggesting that the minimum age should be raised to between 16 and 18, with the addition of a mandatory educational day course for riders.
One crucial factor that may have prevented an even worse outcome was Ruby’s use of a helmet. The headgear was significantly damaged in the accident, underscoring its vital role in protecting riders.
A Growing Concern
This incident is not isolated. Data from the Sunshine Coast Health Trauma Service reveals an alarming trend in e-scooter-related emergencies.
Over a 12-month period from January 2023 to January 2024, the Sunshine Coast University Hospital Emergency Department saw 118 presentations related to e-scooter incidents – equivalent to one every three days.
Dr Andrew Hobbins-King, Medical Director of the Trauma Service, highlighted that adolescents make up the largest group of e-scooter incident victims, with many sustaining significant injuries:
- 56.8% of presentations were patients under 18 years old
- 72.9% of overall presentations were male
- 61% of patients had at least one fractured bone
- Injuries ranged from mild abrasions to fractures, collapsed lungs, and brain bleeds
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Call for Safer E-Scooting
In light of these statistics, Sunshine Coast Health is urging the community to prioritise safety when using e-scooters.
The incident involving Ruby serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with these vehicles, especially for young riders.
Published 2-September-2024
