E-scooter accidents in Vienna: Alarming numbers and new security measures!

E-scooter accidents in Vienna: Alarming numbers and new security measures!

Wien, Österreich - The use of e-scooters is very popular in Austria-however, this development is not without dark sides. Numerous accidents have led to a need to introduce measures to increase traffic safety. Again and again the topic of security in road traffic is taken up, and not without reason: The number of e-scooter accidents in Vienna has increased.

With 1,200 registered accidents in 2022, the city recorded an increase of 30 % compared to the previous year. Most of these incidents occurred in the city center and are often due to collisions with other road users or falls. In the course of these developments, the city of Vienna launched the “Vienna rolls safely” campaign based on three pillars. [Kurier reports that] the first and most important pillar is prevention work. E-scooter users are informed about frequent violations such as driving on walking stands or against one-way streets.

fight against alcohol abuse

A worrying trend is evident in the increasing number of alcohol -related accidents. According to an analysis, the number of e-scooter injuries treated in the hospital has quintupled from 1,200 to 6,000 in 2023 since 2019. Around 12 % of the incorrect e-scooter steering people were drunk at the time of the accident. In comparison, this proportion was only 4 % in car accidents and 3 % for motorcycle accidents. [KFV points out that] 90 % of the alcoholic e-scooter drivers had a blood alcohol value of over 1.0 per thousand. This illustrates the urgency of repression measures. E-scooter drivers who are under the influence of alcohol must expect punishments from 800 to 5,900 euros.

Goal: Safe together in road traffic

In addition to prevention and legal persecution, the campaign also provides a sensitization of all road users. The city has created information materials that provide information about the safe use of e-scooters. Parents should play a special role in informing their children about the dangers. In addition, the KFV calls for a helmet obligation for all e-scooter drivers as well as other safety precautions such as a second brake and a throttling of the speed at 20 km/h. The helmet would be particularly important because the helmet trage quota in Austria is just 9 % low.

To avoid further accidents, the e-scooter drivers are called to strictly adhere to the traffic rules and take personal security measures, such as practicing in traffic-free space or wearing a helmet. [ORF adds that] the City of Vienna is planning increased controls and information campaigns to improve the security for e-scooter users in the long term.

Overall, it is time to raise awareness of the dangers in road traffic and to deal responsibly with e-scooters to ensure safe and accident-free use.