Tag: road safety

RoSPA study finds e-scooters five times safer than bicycles

  • New report by leading accident prevention charity, RoSPA, and safety-focused e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility, evaluates UK e-scooter incident rates in comparison to other forms of transport including bicycles and motorcycles
  • Data showed that e-scooter collision rates were significantly lower with only 0.66 per million miles travelled, in comparison bicycles were five times more likely to be involved in a collision and motorcycle collisions were nine times higher
  • The majority (94 percent) of e-scooter incidents reported took place in local authorities where there were no e-scooter rental schemes running.
  • Although private e-scooters are outlawed, over 50 towns and cities have been granted permission to run trials for shared e-scooters approved by the DfT, which are subject to a range of safety requirements including geofencing control and insurance

A new study into the safety of e-scooters, published by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), has found that e-scooters are significantly less risky than many other forms of transport on Britain’s roads.

The report recorded an incident rate of 0.66 collisions for every million miles travelled on an e-scooter – five times lower than bicycles with 3.33 collisions per million miles travelled and nine times lower than the figure of 5.88 for motorcycles.

The study was carried out by the UK’s leading accident prevention charity RoSPA, with technical assistance from safety-focused e-scooter operator Neuron Mobility. It assessed the scale and nature of injury risk associated with e-scooters in comparison to other modes of transport. It covers data gathered by the Department for Transport (DfT) and provided by Neuron for the 2020 period.

With the numbers of e-scooters in the UK increasing sharply since 2020, both as part of the Government’s ongoing trials and often illegal use of private e-scooters, there is a pressing requirement for further research into how the safety of these devices shapes up against other vehicles.

In fact, of the incidents that did occur on e-scooters, figures showed that the overwhelming majority of them (94 per cent) took place in local authority areas that were not operating an e-scooter trial as opposed to areas with shared e-scooters available, further highlighting that so far, the UK’s shared e-scooter trials have proven to be remarkably safe.

Shared e-scooter schemes tend to feature a range of safety innovations and stricter rules and regulations when compared to privately owned e-scooters which are currently illegal for use on public land. For example, Neuron’s rental e-scooters, which have been approved by the DfT, are fitted with GPS and geofencing which controls where they can be ridden and parked and their speed in different areas.

With this technology, Neuron is able to set riding area boundaries, slow-zones, no-parking zones, and no-ride zones. Every trip is logged and all e-scooters have insurance, integrated safety helmets, identification plates, topple detection, and with daily safety checks and regular servicing, they are widely regarded as a safer option than private e-scooters.

Almost all incidents analysed as part of the study were confirmed to have taken place on the roads (94 per cent), mostly on unsegregated single carriageways. The vast majority involved a collision between an e-scooter and a larger powered vehicle like a car, truck or lorry, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and protection for riders.

The data also shone light onto the types of riders involved and the time of day incidents were most likely to take place, with the majority of collisions happening during daylight hours, between 2pm and 7pm, with peaks at 3pm and 6pm. Men (77 per cent) were far more likely to be involved than women.

Based on these findings, the report makes a set of recommendations to improve the safety of e-scooters further, including:

  • Given the rate of crashes that take place on single carriageways, further investment in road design improvements, including segregated bike and e-scooter lanes, would be beneficial.
  • Safety standards should be applied to improve the visibility of e-scooters on the road, including those that relate to indication, lighting and braking.
  • Providing mandatory training on the Highway Code and the practical operation of e-scooters would be beneficial for all users.
  • Awareness and training on e-scooter behaviour for other road users, in particular car drivers, would be beneficial.
  • e-scooter users should be encouraged to wear helmets when riding

Nathan Davies, Executive Head of Policy and Portfolio at RoSPA said: “e-scooters are clearly set to be a long-term feature of our transport mix and it’s of pressing importance that we understand their impact on road safety and how they can be made safe for everyone to use.

“This report shows that e-scooters compare favourably to other kinds of vehicles and do not represent any greater safety risk to other road users and pedestrians. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure they are integrated on our highways and make sure both e-scooter riders and cyclists are offered greater protections from motor vehicles, which were the source of the vast majority of incidents.

“RentaleE-scooter operators, like Neuron, taking part in the Department for Transport’s trial schemes have demonstrated a strong commitment to safety and rider education. However, we need to see these initiatives filter across to private sale models, where the majority of incidents occur, to ensure any wider rollout is done with safety as a priority.”

George Symes, UK Regional Manager at Neuron Mobility said: “As a relatively new mode of transport there is often a misperception that e-scooters present a greater risk than some other forms of transport, but the data shows this simply isn’t true.

“We welcome RoSPA’s report which shows that e-scooters – particularly rental e-scooters – compare very favourably to bikes and motorcycles when it comes to the number of incidents.

“Neuron’s number one focus is safety. We evaluate every incident that takes place in our cities to assess how we can reduce the risk of it happening again. Across the UK we have implemented a range of initiatives to make our operations safer, including an online safety course developed with RoSPA, regular ScootSafe events in city centres and universities and incentives for helmet use and safe parking.

“We know that with the right investment in technology, education and infrastructure, e-scooters can be made even safer and more accessible.“

Read the report here.

RoSPA-UK-eScooter-Report-Summary-v6-250422Download

Plea to road users as police focus on motorcycle safety

Two motorcyclists have died this month and five seriously injured in collisions over the Easter weekend. The latest figures are being highlighted as a reminder to all road users to keep themselves and others safe while travelling on Scotland’s roads.

Road policing officers are focusing on their annual motorcycle campaign over the spring and summer months when riders tend to make use of the better weather.

Fellow biker and deputy head of road policing, Superintendent Stewart Mackie, said: “We speak to bikers and other road users all year round but as the better weather arrives, there is a real focus on motorbike safety and educating all drivers.

“Motorcyclists are more vulnerable than other road users. My plea to other riders is a straightforward one – get home safe.

“I have bitter experience of attending fatal collisions over the years and we must all be cautious on bends, especially left hand bends and think twice before every single overtake.

“I understand the pleasure of being on a bike and exploring Scotland but there’s nothing more important than returning home to your loved ones safe and well.

“Every road user needs to play their part.”

More than 85 per cent of all motorcycle collisions happen in rural areas, during the daytime and in good weather. Over 500 motorcyclists are seriously injured or killed across the country each year.

Letters: Roundabout ad safety fears

Dear Editor

A board has been ‘planted’ on Silverknowes Roundabout, inviting people to ‘Advertise Here’.

Is it possible the organisation dealing with the management of roundabouts is promoting the erection of such advertising boards on the actual roundabout?

How can they be so stupid to even think of doing so?

It is obviously meant to catch people’s atttention while they are also driving and navigating a roundabout!

Surely the transport authorities must overrule this idiotic rule?

Tony Delahoy

From one biker to another: a message to motorcyclists and other road users

Ahead of the good weather forecast this weekend and upcoming motorcycle safety campaign, biker and deputy head of road policing Stewart Mackie has a message for road users:

Superintendent Stewart Mackie, deputy head of road policing, said: “Being a biker myself, I know the enjoyment that is gained from being out and about on your bike.

“Scotland has some of the best biking roads in the world. However my colleagues and our road safety partners are working towards Scotland also having the best road safety performance in the world by 2030. We all need to play our part.

“We’ll launch our motorcycle safety campaign next month. This will see education, engagement and enforcement take place across Scotland throughout the spring and summer months. But I wanted to reach out to you now.

“As the good weather comes along, more motorcyclists are taking to the roads to make the most of their weekends. I would urge all bikers to think of the personal consequences of taking risks when biking.


“Equally I would remind all road users that the safety of bikers and other vulnerable road user groups depends on each and every one of us.

“Around 90% of all motorcycle casualties are male and almost a third of those killed are aged 40 – 49 years. There has been a marked recent increase in motorcycle ownership and use, particularly those returning to biking after many years.

“Motorcycle riders will always be more vulnerable on the roads than car drivers. More than 85% of all motorcycle casualties happen in rural areas, during the daytime and in good weather.

“Motorcycling is an excellent way to explore the country. I want riders to enjoy their free time out and about, just as I will be doing. More importantly, I want us all to get home safe.”

Campaign reminds drivers there’s no excuse for speeding – even a little bit

Travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions

The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland* is running a campaign to tackle the serious issue of speeding, delivering a clear message for drivers – ‘there’s no excuse for speeding, even if it’s just a little bit.’

Speeding is one of the riskiest driving behaviours, with travelling too fast for the conditions or excessive speed reported in 21% of fatal collisions, and in 10% of all reported accidents.1

Exceeding the speed limit on all road types is surprisingly common:

  • 33% of people admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 30mph zones at least once in the past year.
  • 31% admit to exceeding the speed limit by 5mph in 20mph areas in the last year.
  • 8% admit to having driven at least once in the past year at 90mph on the motorway.
  • 27% of drivers admit to having sped up through amber at least once in the past year.
  • 13% admit they have exceeded the speed limit by 10 mph in a 30mph zone.2

Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth said: “Speeding remains a factor in a number of fatal and serious collisions every year. That’s why I welcome this campaign to tackle this serious issue and deliver a clear message to drivers.

“A collision involving speed can have far-reaching consequences, not only affecting the driver but also their family, the victim’s family, emergency services, and people who witness the incident.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re only slightly over the speed limit – however you try and justify it, there is no excuse for speeding.”

According to Police Scotland many drivers try and justify their speeding behaviour when they’re caught, with excuses including running out of petrol, the road being quiet, trying to beat the rush hour, knowing the road well, and other traffic also being perceived as exceeding the speed limit.

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, head of road policing, said: “All too often police officers experience first-hand the tragic consequences of excessive speed on our roads.

“The dangers of speeding are well-known and the consequences can be devastating, life changing and long lasting. Excessive or inappropriate speed can cause serious harm to others, especially more vulnerable road users and it’s a risk not worth taking.

“If you’re caught speeding you will be fined, have your licence endorsed and could even lose your licence.” 

Running across multiple platforms including radio and digital, the Scotland-wide campaign highlights some of the excuses commonly used by drivers to justify their speeding behaviours, while reminding those behind the wheel that, if they’re caught, they could face severe penalties.

By repeating the words ‘a little bit’ over and over, the ad creative emphasises that it doesn’t matter that you’re only slightly over the speed limit – you know there’s no excuse for speeding.

For more information visit roadsafety.scot/topics/speed or check out the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter pages.

Seatbelt safety campaign launched

Almost one in ten always drive without wearing a seatbelt, new research reveals

A new hard-hitting campaign launched today by The Scottish Government and Road Safety Scotland asks drivers to wear a seatbelt and warns that not wearing one could cost them their lives – having a devastating impact on the loved ones they leave behind.

Figures show 13 per cent of those killed on Scotland’s roads over the last five years were not wearing a seatbelt. Despite this, new research reveals that almost one in ten drivers always drive a car without wearing a seatbelt.

Drivers surveyed feel that drink-driving, drug-driving, using a phone while driving, driving while fatigued and driving aggressively are all ‘riskier’ than not wearing a seatbelt while driving. Passengers not wearing a seatbelt was seen as ‘risky’ by just 27 per cent.

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “Wearing a seatbelt is something everyone can do to reduce injuries and save lives.

“The consequences of not wearing your seatbelt can be devastating if a collision occurs – not only for the driver and passengers but for other people, including your loved ones.

“This campaign delivers a stark but necessary message to anyone travelling in a car: It’s not just you who gets hurt. Wear a seatbelt on every journey.”

When it comes to considering the serious consequences of not wearing a seatbelt, the majority of drivers surveyed thought of themselves first and were concerned that they might get seriously injured or die if they were involved in a collision. This was ranked above ‘causing injury to someone else’ or the ‘emotional damage they would cause to other people’ (friends, family, emergency services).

Superintendent Simon Bradshaw, Deputy Head of Road Policing said: “Wearing a seatbelt is not a choice, it’s the law and the evidence is clear that seatbelts save lives; it’s not just you that could get hurt if you don’t.

“Our officers will interact with and educate drivers and passengers where necessary but we will also continue to take appropriate enforcement action and those caught not wearing a seatbelt could be fined up to £500.  We’re also reminding drivers it’s their responsibility to ensure all passengers under 14 wear their seatbelts, and they can be fined for every child not properly restrained.”

Running across TV, cinema, radio, digital and outdoor channels, the hard-hitting campaign creative underlines that a collision without a seatbelt doesn’t just hurt you, it can also be devastating for those you leave behind.

Set in a testing facility, the new ad features a car with a crash test dummy – not wearing a seatbelt – in the driver’s seat. As the car starts to drive towards a wall, the camera pans away from the impact and focuses on the effects on the driver’s family as they deal with their grief.

A crash test dummy family are seen sitting at a dinner table with an empty seat poignantly left for their lost family member as the final line appears: ‘It’s not just you who gets hurt. Wear a seatbelt.’

For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

More than 600 drink/drug drivers detected over festive period

More than 600 motorists were detected for drink drug drive offences during the annual festive drink drug drive campaign.

During the campaign, which ran between 1 December 2021 and 3 January 2022, Police Scotland officers carried out 2965 roadside tests. Overall, 628 drivers were detected for drink or drug driving offences.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams said: “It is really disappointing to see that some people are still willing to take the risk of driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.

“Our campaign was intelligence led, with a number of drivers reported to us by colleagues, friends or family. Please continue to alert us to concerning driving behaviour as drink/drug driving remains a priority for us throughout the year.

“Everyone has a part to play in reducing road casualties and your information helps our officers to act quickly to stop drivers who are selfishly putting lives at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs.”

Be alert to Highway Code changes

Police Scotland is reminding road users of changes to the Highway Code that come into effect on January 29:

🔹 Cyclists have priority over cars when cars turning

🔹 Pedestrians have priority over cars at junctions

🔹 Changes to cyclist positioning to ensure better visibility

It is the responsibility of individual road users to be familiar with the Highway Code.

Find it here ➡️http://ow.ly/7Tzj50HpGBc

Festive drink and drug-drive campaign launched

The Minister for Transport and Police Scotland have launched this year’s festive enforcement campaign to tackle drink and drug-driving, highlighting the criminal and personal consequences of being found guilty of driving under the influence.

The campaign is backed by 48-year old Niki Smith, who was paralysed in a road collision in 1997, when she accepted a lift from someone who – unknown to Niki – had been drinking.

Niki, from Aberdeenshire, has now shared her experience to remind drivers that drink-driving can have devastating consequences and urges anyone to think twice before getting behind the wheel – as even one drink is too many if you’re driving.

With Christmas parties returning this year, the festive enforcement campaign warns motorists of a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug-driving.

In the last two months1 852 roadside drug tests have been carried out across Scotland, resulting in 395 positive tests. On average, specialist road officers encounter 40-50 motorists a week who have taken drugs. Drivers who provide a positive roadside drug test are arrested and taken to a police station where a blood sample is obtained and sent for further analysis. In the same time period, 600 drivers were arrested for drink driving related offences.

The campaign draws attention to the significant consequences – criminal as well as personal – of being found guilty of driving while under the influence of alcohol or with drugs in your system.

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “The consequences of drink and drug-driving can be devastating and those found guilty of breaking the law could face a criminal record, a large fine, and up to six months in prison.

“Driving while under the influence puts not only the driver, but passengers and other road users at risk of serious injury, or even worse. Our message is clear, if you’re having a drink, leave the car at home and if you’re driving, the best approach is none.”

More than 20,000 drivers are stopped by the police in Scotland every month2 and Police Scotland’s enforcement campaign will see an even stronger focus on drink driving on Scotland’s roads from 1st December, so the chances of being caught are higher than ever.

https://youtu.be/XWa0cXppVHc

Chief Superintendent Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing said: “We want everyone to enjoy this festive season for all the right reasons and so we are urging motorists to help us keep the roads safe for all.

“We continue to see motorists put others at considerable risk by driving under the influence of alcohol or after taking drugs, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of drink or drug driving.

” As we approach the festive season, our officers will be focused on targeting drivers who recklessly put others at risk by driving after consuming alcohol or drugs. Driving under the influence reduces reaction times and continues to be a factor in serious and fatal collisions. The fact you could kill or injure yourself or another member of the public should be reason enough not to risk it.

“As well as roadside breath testing, officers can also test drivers at the roadside suspected of taking drugs, following limits being set in law in October 2019. There is a zero tolerance approach to drugs most commonly associated with illegal use, including cannabis, cocaine and heroin.

“I am urging drivers to plan ahead this festive season, think how you’re getting home after drinking and consider the impact alcohol can still have the morning after. Please don’t drink or take drugs and drive, it’s not worth the risk, do your part, and help keep our roads safe this festive season.”

Recalling the day of the collision, Niki Smith said: “It was a Friday evening and my sister and I were having a great night out. I enjoyed letting my hair down in between working as a carer and being a busy mum.

“We accepted a lift from someone we knew, although we had no idea he’d been drinking. It was a small decision that changed my life irreversibly.

“It must have been heart-breaking for my family and partner to be told I’d broken my neck and was paralysed. My sister, who was in the car with me, broke her collarbone and was later diagnosed with PTSD. I’m glad it was me, as I would have struggled to accept her having my injury.

“There has definitely been years of stress, physical pain and frustration for me and everybody involved in my life. I have now found ways to enjoy special moments and not just sit at home and dwell on the difficult times. I’ve had to become a more confident person so people see me and not just the wheelchair. If I hadn’t had my kids I don’t think I’d be the person I am today.

“Last summer I got involved with Spinal Injuries Scotland and became a peer support volunteer. Their peer support workers inspired me to come forward and share my story, and the friendship, humour and empathy I’ve found there has been brilliant.

“I hope that by sharing my own experience I can help raise awareness of the devastating consequences drink-driving can have on so many lives.

“I wouldn’t want anyone to go through the same as me and my family.”

For more information go to roadsafety.scot or the Road Safety Scotland Facebook and Twitter (@roadsafetyscot) pages.

Road accident survivor turned safety advocate to share her story

This Thursday,November 25, Angela McShane, who survived a serious road incident over ten years ago, will share her powerful story to help raise awareness of the risks of drug and drink-driving.

More than a decade ago, Angela was struck down by a driver who was travelling at an excessive speed in a residential area. It later emerged that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and illegal drugs at the time of the collision.

Following a course of intensive physiotherapy, Angela has now regained her health and delivers presentations to educate the public about road safety through the community interest company, The Reinvention, which she established with her husband.

Angela will be sharing her reflections on the ripple effect of a road traffic incident at an online event organised by the Scottish Occupational Road Safety Alliance (ScORSA).

Angela McShane, road safety ambassador and Founder of The Reinvention, said: “I am delighted to be able to share my story with road safety professionals, fleet managers and small businesses at the upcoming ScORSA webinar.

“I hope to play my part in making our roads safer for all by talking about the consequences of reckless driving.”

Last year, across Great Britain, there were 84 fatal incidents and 562 serious incidents on the roads where the contributory factor ‘driver/rider impaired by drugs (illicit/medicinal) was assigned.  

In 2019, the most recent figures available, around 230 people were killed on our roads as result of a collision involving a driver who had been drinking alcohol.

Dr Karen McDonnell, Policy adviser at ScORSA, said: “Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is regarded by ScORSA as one of the ‘Fatal Four’- four common causes of serious and fatal collisions on our roads.

“ScORSA is working with organisations who employ people who drive for work in order to share life-saving safety messages. Driving for work is one of the most hazardous activities people can undertake and we want to help support employers to develop of safe systems of work.”

All ScORSA webinars are free to attend. You can hear Angela share her story on Thursday November 25at 11am. You can register your place here.