
Road safety teams concerned about the rise in mobility scooter user casualties are being offered free safety resources to give out to members of the public.
The Safer Mobility Campaign was launched earlier this year after it was discovered that mobility scooter riders are over two and a half times more likely to be killed in a road crash, compared to other road users.
DfT road casualty statistics show that in 2022, nine mobility scooter users were killed and 270 were injured in collisions on the UK’s roads.
The figures show that over the last decade, mobility scooter casualties have increased by an average of 20% year on year.
The Safer Mobility Campaign was launched by Surewise to inform mobility scooter users about the risks they face when travelling on or near to the roads, and raise awareness about their vulnerability to all road users.
As part of the campaign, Surewise has produced the following resources, which are now available free of charge to local authorities, police forces and safer roads teams:
- Printed copies of the Mobility Scooter Safety Guide, offering useful tips and advice on how to stay safe
- Sticker packs to improve the visibility of mobility scooters
The resources are designed to be particularly useful for local authorities, police forces and safer roads teams who are preparing to attend local shows and events this summer.
Richard Hannan, director at Surewise, said: “We were horrified to discover that mobility scooter drivers are at such a high risk of fatal road crashes. Our Safer Mobility Campaign is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for improved safety measures.
“By providing these free resources, we hope to educate both mobility scooter users and other road users about the dangers and help prevent future tragedies.”
To request your free Mobility Scooter Safety Guides and sticker packs please contact resources@surewise.com
This campaign is essential to help elderly motorists who may be deprived of their driving licences by age or temporary or permanent medical conditions.
At the moment we are exploring the possibility of a Judicial review against the decision of the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman to deal with the failure of the Highway Authority to issue and enforce statutory notices for overgrown vegetation that is of danger to mobility scooter users and others. (Case ref 24006624)
Potholes in roads and broken pavements put users of smaller wheeled mobility scooters in danger.
We have a high visibility bag attached to the back of our seat and have eyes protection from flying chips and dazzling sun.
We always use a battery beacon (legal requirement for dual carriageways) and keep our headlights and sidelights on at all times. Motorcylists set us a good example for the need to be seen!
Could suspension schemes be improved to allow solid tyres and avoid the risk of punctures that are difficult to deal with on a mobility scooter?
Manufacturers and distributors did not seem concerned that safety belts were provided that would only fit a very small person.
Should we consider following the example of cyclists and wear protective headgear – particular if on the road?
Assuring you of my personal and professional support
Vic Sullivan MCIEH, MIHPE
Vic, Pulborough
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