Mobility scooter warning

Mobility scooter warning

Road users are being urged to be scooter safe following an increase in fatalities. In the last five months alone there have been four fatalities involving mobility scooters. There were no fatalities in the three years prior to this (2011 - 2013).

Police are urging motorists and scooter users to look out for each other and will be attending a Motability exhibition at Event City later this month to speak to scooter users and their families about the potential dangers.

Chief Inspector Rachel Buckle from Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Serious Collision Unit said: “As the popularity of mobility scooters rises, so too have the number of fatalities and we are concerned this could continue if people don’t take better care on the roads.

“Mobility scooters offer users a lifeline to the outside world and are an excellent way of retaining freedom and independence but sadly four people have lost their lives in the last few months and we don’t want any other family having to go through the same.

“Mobility scooter users should familiarise themselves with the Highway Code and obey traffic lights and other road signals and plan their journey ahead to avoid having to negotiate rush hour traffic and busy roads and junctions.

“Motorists should be mindful of mobility scooter riders, particularly as the weather improves, and allow plenty of room when passing.”

Karen Delaney from Drivesafe said: “We would encourage all mobility scooter users to make sure that they are visible by wearing something bright and making sure the lights are in good working order. When manoeuvring at junctions and crossing the road extra care and time should be taken to allow to cross safely.”

Top tips for mobility scooter users: 

• If using a powered vehicle for the first time, or if it is a while since you have driven on the road, familiarise yourself with the Highway Code 
• Ask your retailer to demonstrate how your scooter works and make sure you are familiar with the controls before you go out 
• Keep the battery fully charged and get to know how far your scooter can go before it will need recharging 
• Plan your journey carefully and stick to the pavement wherever possible. If you have to use the road, try and avoid having to negotiate major roundabouts, rush-hour traffic, or busy roads 
• Familiarise yourself with the facilities in your local area, such as dropped kerbs, which will help you cross the road 
• If the situation on the road becomes too daunting, move to the pavement until you feel confident enough to re-join traffic 
• Never drive your vehicle if you’re impaired by the use of alcohol, drugs or medication 
• Ensure you can be seen by wearing high visibility or reflective clothing. Use stickers and strips on your scooter too 
• Don’t put yourself in danger by carrying passengers or pets 
• Mobile phones cause a distraction. If you need to make a call, pull over and stop 
• Give way to pedestrians when on pavements and use an appropriate speed, particularly in busy areas 
• Look behind when turning right. It may be safer to turn onto the pavement and use a pedestrian crossing than to cross the road 
• Stop and look both ways before crossing the road 
• If you are using anything to protect you from the weather, make sure it doesn’t restrict your vision 
• Never use your scooter on a motorway 
• Drive on the left hand side Obey traffic lights and all other road signals, including ‘stop’ signs, ‘give way’ signs and signs for ‘one way’ streets 
• At night, ensure you have your headlights and rear lights on