E-scooter injuries are becoming more and more common in Singapore – children, parents, the elderly – no one seems to have been spared in the recent past. But sadly, the frequency of e-scooter injuries and accidents just don’t seem to be decreasing.
The latest e-scooter injury happened on June 5 (Tuesday).
Mum and Former Beauty Queen Sustains E-Scooter Injuries to Head and Face
Cassandra Ho, crowned Elite Mrs Singapore ASEAN in 2016, was on her way to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s community garden on Tuesday.
She wanted to pick some herbs that she had planted for the sick father of a friend. But while walking to the park, she was knocked down by an e-scooter. 49-year-old Madam Ho was rushed to Tan Tock Seng Hospital for treatment, where she remains warded.
Madam Ho says: “I can’t remember much… the next thing I knew, I saw my husband and youngest son beside me in the accident and emergency ward.” She also remembers sending some messages to her husband following the accident.
Her e-scooter injuries include a 3cm cut on the back of her head and swelling on the right side of her face. She reportedly still feels dizzy and weak.
Madam Ho also mentioned that many residents felt walking in parks was no longer safe due to e-scooters.
We wish Madam Ho a speedy recovery.
We’re hearing of more and more e-scooter accidents in Singapore.
E-Scooter Accidents on the Rise
The number of accidents involving personal mobility devices (PMD) has been on the rise with 128 cases in 2017, says The Straits Times.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has ramped up its enforcement actions by patrolling areas with a high volume of human traffic.
The Active Mobility Advisory Panel recently conducted public consultations to gather feedback regarding the use of bicycles and PMDs. The result of these consultations will be considered when the panel makes recommendations to the government on possible changes to the current regulations on bicycle and PMD usage.
According to The Straits Times, there were 110 accidents involving e-scooters reported in the first nine months of 2017. 30 of them took place on public paths, while the rest took place at road junctions and on roads.
In an effort to rein in reckless drivers, the government has decided to implement new rules for e-scooter riders.
- Registration of e-scooters will be mandatory from the second half of 2018.
- All e-scooter riders will have to provide their personal details.
- They will have to paste identification stickers prominently on their devices.
- Devices should meet requirements, such as a maximum weight of 20 kg and a top speed of 25 kmh.
Also read: 11-year-old girl hurt in e-scooter accident
Source: The Straits Times
Image: ST screengrab
