New Study Shows Alcohol Has Been a Big Factor in E-Scooter Injuries

Alcohol has become a significant factor in the increase of electric scooter injuries as the popular motorized scooters surge in popularity, especially in cities across the country.

According to a Today.com news report, a new study published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open found that out of 103 patients who were treated at three trauma centers for e-scooter-related injuries, 79 percent were tested for alcohol.

Roughly 48 percent of that group was found to have a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit for drivers in California and most other states.

DUI and Other Safety Measures

The study also found that alcohol was not the only culprit. About 60 percent of the 103 patients in the study were also screened for drugs of which 52 percent tested positive. Some cities have already taken steps to curb alcohol use while riding e-scooters. For example, a 28-year-old man was prosecuted for driving under the influence in September 2018 after he hit a pedestrian while operating a Bird scooter in Los Angeles.

Doctors and experts have also been encouraging e-scooter users to wear helmets to protect their heads. But, that message doesn’t seem to be reaching most people. The study shows that 98 percent of those injured were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Lawmakers around the country are also examining best practices for e-scooters following a surge in accidents and injuries involving these vehicles. Earlier this year, New Jersey passed a law regulating e-scooters like bicycles, requiring helmet use by anyone under 17.

Injuries and Compensation

Nationwide, injuries involving e-scooters have been surging. A Rutgers University study found that nationwide injuries involving these vehicles climbed by 66 percent between 2008 and 2018. There have also been fatalities the most recent one being the death of 35-year-old YouTube star Emily Hartridge, who died in London after her scooter crashed into a truck.

E-scooters also result in terrible injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, internal bleeding and broken bone injuries that require surgery. Another recent study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that nearly half of the e-scooter injuries were to the head.

If you or a loved one have been injured while riding an e-scooter, or if you are a pedestrian who has been struck and injured by a scooter, please remember that you have legal rights. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Orange County e-scooter accident lawyer who will protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses.