Surewise launches ‘Safer Mobility’ campaign to keep mobility scooter users safe on the roads
Mobility scooter insurance provider Surewise has announced the launch of its new Safer Mobility Campaign, pioneering the way to keep mobility scooter users safe when using the roads.
Surewise, which has insured more than 130,000 mobility scooters in the UK against theft and in the event of a collision, states that its staff have experienced up close the devastating effect road incidents involving mobility scooter users can have.
With what seemed to be an uptick in incidents in the beginning of 2024, it hopes that the Safer Mobility Campaign will provide a voice for mobility scooter users. The insurance provider has produced a free, downloadable safety guide, giving mobility scooter users useful tips and advice on how to stay safe, in addition to a free sticker pack bundle to make your mobility scooter more visible when driving.
The campaign aims to inform mobility scooter users about the risks they face when travelling on or near to the roads, and raise awareness about their vulnerability to all road users.
Mobility scooter drivers are more than twice as likely to be killed in a road crash than other road users, data has revealed. Road casualty data from the Department for Transport shows that in 2022 alone, nine mobility scooter users were killed and 270 were injured in collisions on UK roads.
The figures show that over the last decade, mobility scooter casualties have increased by an average of 20 per cent, year on year.
Richard Hannan, Director at Surewise, said: “We were horrified to discover that mobility scooter drivers are more than twice as likely to be killed in a road crash than other road users.
“And, sadly, the problem only seems to be getting worse. Worryingly, the casualty data shows a substantial increase in casualties since 2011, and our claims team takes regular calls from distressed customers who have been injured in collisions.
“Mobility scooter users are very vulnerable, particularly when travelling on the roads, and, unlike cars and other vehicles, the driver has little protection in the event of a crash.”
Despite their vulnerability on the roads, new mobility scooter drivers are not legally required to undergo any form of training before using their vehicle in a public place.
Earlier this year, the findings of the largest ever study of more than 250 motorised mobility scooter users by Nottingham Trent University were published. Around 62 per cent of those questioned in the research had not received any form of training, and of the 38 per cent who had, most had received training around vehicle handling.
Very few received training about the hazards they would face, with only eight per cent attending training on an inside course or completing outdoor training or observation.
In recent news, the national charity Driving Mobility announced that it is inviting all members of the public and professionals with interest in driving with a disability to its Herts Ability Driving Assessment Centre for a free open day on Thursday 11 July 2024.
Meanwhile, in Scotland, mobility retailer City Mobility is set to host the Powered Wheelchair and Mobility Scooter (PWMS) retailer training in Inverness on 23 August 2024 with the support of DriveAbility Scotland.
