Mum calls for law change after son is hurt by mobility scooter
A MOTHER has launched a petition calling for tighter regulations on mobility scooters after her nine-year-old son was injured in the city centre.
Caren Jephson said a scooter driven by an elderly man hit her son, Isaac, with such force it sent him flying into a shop window.
-
Caren Jephson
Shoppers rushed to the boy's aid as he was left crying with pain.
The legal speed limit for travel on a pavement is 4mph but Mrs Jephson estimated the scooter was travelling much faster.
visit us at www.meetthelenders.co.uk/blogs to Save 30% off your loan fees with Quick Quid, Read our article for instructions
Contact: 0115 8962299
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
The 45-year-old said she knew of others who had been hit by scooters and called for a change in the law.
She said: "Isaac was left with big bruises on his legs.
"He hit the window with such a thud I thought there'd been a car crash. I was shocked to turn round and see my son lying on the ground.
"I thought he'd been hit by a car but it was in fact a mobility scooter. The man riding it didn't even realise he had hit my son.
"He carried on sailing up the street. When people shouted to him that he had hit my boy he stopped, said sorry and drove off again.
"He was so far up the street within seconds of hitting Isaac, he must have been doing about 20mph."
Mrs Jephson said it was lucky her son was not more seriously hurt.
She has since launched a petition calling for tighter regulations to be introduced and has gathered more than 200 signatures.
She said: "People who use mobility scooters should have to go on a course like drivers do as they're going that fast.
"Many think it's their right of way and that it's okay for them to bomb around. They need to think of others.
"If a car hits you at 20mph or even 10mph, if it's careless driving the driver will get arrested and charged. Why should this be any different?"
It is an issue that has been looked into by the Government for several years – with a consultation in 2010 asking people if they would support measures such as mandatory training and eye tests for mobility scooter users.
However, no changes to the law have been introduced.
Ann Crosby, of the Southern Derbyshire Pensioners' Association, said she agreed "entirely" with Ms Jephson.
She said: "Users shouldn't go any quicker than fast walking pace and they should be made to take out insurance in case they injure somebody.
"I do know people who are amazed at the speed these mobility scooters go and you do get the odd one dashing around on the pavement."
Mrs Jephson said she planned to discuss her campaign with Mid Derbyshire MP Pauline Latham.
A Derbyshire police spokeswoman confirmed Mrs Jephson had reported the incident and that officers were investigating.
Anyone wishing to sign the petition should email Mrs Jephson at carenjep45@ gmail.com.
*WHAT DO YOU THINK: Have your say on our quick, anonymous poll (above right).
Comments
by BLawrenson
Tuesday, October 23 2012, 12:20AM
“Perhaps it would be useful to know just how many accidents involving disability scooters and pedestrians actually happen each year in Derby to give us a sense of proportion. I find mums pushing prams or folk texting far more of a hazard as I walk in Nottingham and I should imagine Derby is no different. Making all disability scooter users take a test because of isolated instances would seem to be a typical knee jerk reaction.”
by Philanthropic
Monday, October 22 2012, 11:54PM
“Coralsea, for the millionth time, stop disproportantly exagerating every single point you try to make.”
by superacetrace
Monday, October 22 2012, 8:21PM
“Failure to stop disability harassment is inhuman treatment, rules Strasbourg
http://tinyurl.com/c2v8saa”
by TruthBeTold
Monday, October 22 2012, 7:58PM
“Well about what I expected. All the comments defending the disabled get masses of negative votes, all the medieval 'burn em at the stake' peasants making hateful comments get loads of plus votes. Says it all really.
I don't use a mobility scooter, but my wife requires one. She's never once hit anybody in town, but the amount of times I've stood right next to her and some dimwit pedestrian walks right into her before telling her to look where she's going is beyond count.
Here's a suggestion: when you walk forwards, don't have your head turned at 90 degrees examining the shop windows. Here's another: when you walk forwards, don't have your attention fixed firmly on your navel as you type a text message.
Talk about needing proficiency tests!”
by KyleighB
Monday, October 22 2012, 2:20PM
“I personally believe a free course is need for mobility scooter users ( i also think this is need for cyclists, i am aware some schools are doing this).
It is all very well saying that common sense is all that is needed, however we live in a world where common sense is no longer that common.
An old law has been used recently to prosecute a cyclist that hit a pedestrian, maybe this law should be extended to include mobility scooters.
In regards to the 'fact' that mobility scooters can't go more than 8mph, it is very easy to 'supe-up' the scooter,the fastest recored scooter went over 70mph, (http://tinyurl.com/9owob4d) so 20mph is perfectly possible.
Anyone in charge of any vehicle that might do damage or cause injury if they are negligent whilst being in charge of that vehicle (be it car, mobility scooter, bicycle, or lorry) should be held responsible for that damage or harm. That can hardly be debated (although I'm sure some one will try). When driving a car you have to look out for potential hazards not just existing hazards, a training course would help new users to do this.”
by superacetrace
Monday, October 22 2012, 12:16AM
“One could also argue that,because of our eyesight,women are better suited to drive in daytime and men are better equipped to cope with night-time driving.
Imagine everyone having to be restricted due to their capabilities?
It would be unfair.”
by superacetrace
Sunday, October 21 2012, 9:03PM
“Admittedly there are stupid people who are in charge of things that they shouldnt be.
And they shouldnt get away with being outright dangerous.But a lot of people do.
Thats life unfortunately,but im glad that common sense has prevailed here and the many are not persecuted because of the few.
Coralsea said "there has to be restrictions on the disabled being in charge of a vehicle car or mobility scooter".
But what about people who are just plainly wrong in the head who are able bodied and arrogant in charge of a motor vehicle?
I have yet to see someone who is disabled wheelspin and handbrake along this stretch of road.”
by Derby1988
Sunday, October 21 2012, 8:24PM
“I know Caren and Isaac was not to blame it was the mobility scooter user as the scooter he was using is intended for road use and he was going much to fast and not paying attention. I have also seen him around the city centre many times before and he has no respect for other people using the pavement. Also some people clearly do not know that there are mobility scooters for sale that can go 15mph+.”
by coralsea
Sunday, October 21 2012, 3:02PM
“by Baloo_Bear
Just look at the DET on Tues 16th Oct and the silver car that landed on top of another vehicle , That Driver was A disabled Driver, and that is the very reason there has to be restrictions on the disabled being in charge of a vehicle car or mobility scooter, I often see mobility scooter drivers coming out of pubs, again they have been consuming booze and in charge of a vehicle, which are not insured, so if they hit a pedestrian, or another vehicle they can only be sued through through a small claims”
by Monsieur_Lupo
Friday, October 19 2012, 11:12AM
“Interesting post Baloo_Bear. You both support and demain the disabled in the same post of a mere twenty words, in using the term 'moron' and inferring that those that have hit the red arrow are mentally disabled.
Not quite so enlightened and even-handed as you would have us believe, are you? Your true colours well and truly shown.”