E-Scooter Collision: A Dashcam Captures Instant Karma (and Raises Safety Concerns)
This blog post details a shocking incident caught on dashcam, highlighting the potential dangers of irresponsible e-scooter use and sparking a wider conversation about safety.
The Incident: A Head-On Collision
The video, captured by 44-year-old Richard Garbas of Luton, England, shows two young men on e-scooters recklessly approaching a junction. They were riding without helmets, a blatant disregard for basic safety precautions. The footage vividly depicts the moment of impact: a head-on collision with considerable force. The sheer speed of the scooters, estimated at 30mph combined, resulted in both riders being thrown onto the pavement. While the visual impact is striking, the immediate aftermath is even more compelling.
The Aftermath: A Shocking Reaction and a Handshake
Richard and his passenger, Anthea, reacted with a mixture of shock and disbelief, their audible “wow” echoing the intensity of the collision. Interestingly, Richard’s initial response wasn’t one of immediate concern. He admits to a fleeting thought of “sod them – it’s their fault,” before revealing the boys surprisingly got up and shook hands after the crash.
The Driver’s Perspective: A Mixture of Amusement and Concern
Richard’s candid account reveals a complex reaction to the event. He admits to finding the incident funny, citing the riders’ “idiotic” behavior. He explained that at the moment of the collision, a part of him almost hoped they would hit each other, a testament to the reckless nature of their actions. However, this amusement is tempered with a deeper concern for safety. He draws a parallel between the collision’s force and hitting a wall at 30 mph.
The Underlying Message: A Plea for E-Scooter Safety
This incident serves as more than just a humorous video. Richard emphasizes that his intention in sharing the footage wasn’t simply to revel in their misfortune. Instead, he hopes the clip will serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with e-scooters. His own experience, a previous fall from a rented scooter that left him injured, underscores this point. He stresses the need for responsible riding practices, particularly among young people. He highlights the critical role parents play in educating their children about e-scooter safety, emphasizing the lack of awareness and the inherent risks.
The Viral Video and Public Reaction
Richard’s Facebook post has garnered over 140,000 views, sparking a lively discussion in the comments section. Many commenters highlighted the potential for far more severe consequences, emphasizing the dangers posed to pedestrians, particularly children and the elderly. Some expressed amusement at the riders’ misfortune (“Serves them right”), while others focused on the lack of helmets and the potential for fatal consequences. The incident serves as a potent illustration of the need for greater caution and awareness when using e-scooters.
A Call to Action: Promoting Safer E-Scooter Use
This incident underscores the necessity for responsible e-scooter use and appropriate safety measures. Richard’s experience, and the shocking footage, highlights the need for education and awareness among both riders and parents. The viral nature of the video emphasizes the importance of open discussions about e-scooter safety and the potential risks involved in irresponsible riding.
