The start to the New Year ushered in the sort of headlines that mobility users could well do without.  “A Mobility Scooter Menace?” screamed the BBC as it outlined how recent high-profile mobility scooter accidents had raised concern that drivers can’t be prosecuted.

Unfortunately, it’s all too true that pedestrians have been injured and toddlers knocked down by senior citizens riding mobility electric scooters.  One woman, Lilian Macy, died after being hit in September by an errant scooter owner.  The problem has now become so severe that in February a committee of MP’s will even begin an inquiry into mobility scooter safety.

Currently, it is difficult for authorities to apportion blame. The Road Traffic Act exempts mobility scooters and this makes it difficult to hold anyone responsible for an accident. While the freedom of the elderly and handicapped is welcome, it would help if safety guidelines are heightened, precautions taken, and some kind of training be given to mobility scooter users before they take to the streets.

Police safety courses are being conducted for mobility scooter owners in some areas, Norwich being a prime example. Users are given training where they can overcome obstacles such as avoiding hitting a mannequin, slaloming around traffic cones, taking sharp turns, and parking correctly. The user’s ability to operate their vehicle is enhanced and their driving skills honed. This ensures the safety of pedestrians and builds the confidence of mobility scooter users.

One must not ignore the fact that lack of confidence or bouts of anxiety attacks are not uncommon among elderly people. Confusing or sudden rapid movements of people in their path may cause them to speed up or knock someone down.

For their part, mobility scooter users need to be aware about the gravity of the situation if and when they can lose control of their vehicles, absent-mindedly backing into a person, or jerking forward suddenly. Driving slowly, carefully, and being alert at all times, especially when there are people around is the secret to safe mobility scooter driving.

Accidents happen all the time, everywhere, and with all kinds of vehicles. What’s important is that safety precautions and traffic rules should be adhered to, both by vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Agreed, there has been a recent spurt in mobility scooter accidents, but what is required is not apportioning the blame, but finding a solution that works for all.

MobilityCompare’s view?  Voluntary training courses should be available to all mobility scooter users and made mandatory for anyone over 80 years old.

Photo Caption: An 89 year old man caught travelling at 8mph on the M20 motorway in 2009

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