Ever since electric scooters hit city streets across the country, there have been a wide variety of concerns. From issues over helmet use to catastrophic injuries, the negative issues almost seem to outweigh the convenience.
Now, there have been three fatal electric scooter accidents in Atlanta. And these recent tragedies are leading many people to rethink scooter safety as well as the conditions of our city’s roads.
Electric scooter accident ends in tragedy
WSB-TV Atlanta reports that a CobbLinc bus struck and killed William Alexander on July 17. Passengers on the bus report they heard banging on the side of the bus which could have been Alexander trying to alert the driver of his presence.
The police are still investigating who was at fault for the accident. But regardless of fault, this accident still sheds light on the risks these electric scooters involve, including:
- Inexperienced individuals
- Distracted drivers
- Low visibility on the road
These scooters can go up to a speed of 15 mph. That means they have to take to the road instead of the sidewalks, which only increases the risks of injury they face.
However, many say Georgia streets are the problem–not the scooters
Alexander’s tragic death was the second fatal scooter accident in Atlanta. And both the public and lawmakers say that the city can do better to make roads safer for all.
According to CBS 46, many people plan to protest at the scene of the accident. The protesters intend to form a human barricade on the street to create a protected bike lane for bicycles and scooters alike.
The purpose of the protest is to show how Atlanta and the Georgia Department of Transportation have not placed enough emphasis on improving the city’s infrastructure to increase safety for all.
A few City Council members agree. Both parties want to make the road safer for everyone.
How does the street design impact safety?
Many City Council members are calling to redesign Atlanta’s streets to prevent any more devastating accidents like this. Design and infrastructure undoubtedly impact road safety. For example, many studies state that creating bicycle lanes helps improve safety for both bicyclists and drivers on city roads.
However, human error is still at the root of most car crashes. Redesigning the roads may help improve safety. But it is also critical to educate drivers to drive defensively and responsibly.
