Community
3 October, 2024
Safety crucial on e-scooters
NORTH Queensland Cowboys legend Matty Bowen is the face of a new e-scooter safety campaign
On Common Country (OCC) and Civil Safety have teamed up with Advanced Driver Training Centre to launch a campaign promoting safe use of e-scooters. The campaign takes active steps to address safety concerns with the growing popularity of e-scooters.
The initiative’s key messages are clear: ‘Be alert today, and alive tomorrow and ‘Ensure you don’t become a statistic.’
“We are committed to enhancing the safety and well-being of our community,” said Mr Bowen.
“This campaign is about ensuring everyone can enjoy the benefits of e-scooters while minimising potential hazards,” he said.
“By promoting responsible riding, we hope to make our streets and pathways safer for all.”
Mr Bowen said with 13 lives lost and over 3000 serious injuries recorded between 2019 and 2023, it was vital to understand that operating an e-scooter in an unsafe manner could change a rider’s life forever.
“We’ve seen a significant rise in the number of e-scooter users in Townsville, and while they offer a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transport, safety must be a top priority,” said On Common Country managing director Noel Gertz.
“Our campaign focuses on creating a safer environment for everyone, from the riders themselves to pedestrians and motorists who share the road,” he said.
Key rules for e-scooters:
Always wear a helmet
No drugs or alcohol. Riding under the influence is illegal and dangerous
Do not use your phone while riding and keep both hands on the handlebars
Riders aged 12-15 must be accompanied by an adult. Riders 16 and older are responsible for following all rules
No doubling: Only one person per e-scooter
Riders cannot carry anything on the scooter.
