Shepherd Center Mobilizes for E-Scooter Safety

When e-scooters and micro-mobility devices rolled onto the scene a few years ago, they brought with them convenience and accessibility. Unfortunately, injuries, and in some cases, even fatalities, followed.

“Injuries related to e-scooter accidents more than tripled between 2014 and 2018, and there were four deaths in Atlanta alone in 2014,” says Emma Harrington, director of injury prevention and education at Shepherd Center. “While e-scooters do have their advantages, there needs to be more education on risk factors and safety related to this new mode of transportation.”

With that in mind, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety has awarded Shepherd Center a one-year, $174,000 grant to launch and implement a statewide evidence-informed public education campaign on e-scooter safety. The campaign will focus on five risk factors leading to e-scooter injuries and fatalities.

“Evidence shows us the top five risk factors for scooter fatalities and injuries are not using helmets, scootering while under the influence, riding while underage, riding for the first time and speeding,” Harrington says. “A lack of education, low helmet compliance and little regulation are a cause for concern related to e-scooter crashes.”

The campaign will include public service announcements and an evidence-informed mass media campaign.

“Even the loss of one life on our roads is one too many, and the fact that almost all fatal traffic crashes can be prevented is one reason why we are awarding this grant,” says Allen Poole, Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Director Allen Poole. “The target of zero traffic deaths in our nation is achievable, and we will continue to help develop and implement educational messages and enforcement campaigns aimed at bringing our state one step closer to that goal.”