Police detachments from around Metro Vancouver have issued warnings relating to scooter safety over the past month or so, in a seeming spike in scooter-related safety incidents.
That includes the Vancouver Police Department, which shared some details about two recent safety incidents, including a 30-year-old woman who died following a scooter crash.
VPD is issuing a public safety message reminding scooter riders that wearing a helmet while riding a scooter is required by law.
On July 3, a 30-year-old woman died following a collision while riding a scooter near Venables Street and Commercial Drive at around 10 a.m.
VPD says that the woman was travelling westbound on Venables when she collided with the side of a vehicle.
“The woman struck her head on the ground, and the driver of the vehicle stopped immediately. The woman was conscious when she was transported to hospital but unfortunately died from her injuries on July 11,” VPD said.
This past weekend, there was another serious safety incident in Vancouver involving a scooter rider. On Sunday at around 2 p.m., a woman was riding an electric kick scooter and was struck from behind by a man also riding a kick scooter in the Coal Harbour area.
Police say that the crash took place near Coal Harbour Quay and Nicola Street.
The 54-year-old woman broke her collarbone and suffered a head injury, but is expected to recover.
Police say in both cases, a helmet would’ve greatly reduced the consequences.
“Neither victim was wearing a helmet while riding,” said VPD Sergeant Adam Donaldson of the Vancouver Police Department in a statement. “In both incidents, a helmet may not have prevented the collisions, but it could have significantly reduced the severity of the injuries. Please make sure to wear a properly fitted helmet and ensure it is secured appropriately.”
You can read more information about scooter rules on the Government of B.C. website.