When you’re a kid, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of freedom that comes with riding a scooter. Scooting around town and feeling the wind in your hair is a great way to have fun and stay active. But it’s important to remember that safety is key when you’re on a scooter. In this article, we will give you some tips for staying safe while scooting. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to have lots of fun while keeping yourself safe!
1. Wear a helmet and other protective gear
Wearing a protective gear is very important when you’re on a scooter. A helmet is a must-have, and it’s also a good idea to wear elbow and knee pads. This will help to protect you in case you fall off your scooter.
Make sure that your helmet fits properly and that it is fastened securely before you start riding. Also, be sure to wear protective gear that is appropriate for your scooter. For example, if you’re riding a kick scooter, you don’t need to wear knee pads because the risk of falling and injuring yourself is much lower.
Properly fitting and wearing helmets can prevent up to 85% of head injuries sustained while riding a scooter.
So remember, always wear a helmet and other protective gear when you’re out scooting!
2. Stay aware of your surroundings
When you’re scooting, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This means keeping an eye out for things like cars, pedestrians, and other obstacles.
You should also avoid riding in areas where there are a lot of people. This is because it can be easy to lose control of your scooter in a crowded area and you might end up hitting someone.
If you’re riding in an area where there are cars, be extra careful. Make sure to ride on the side of the road and never scoot out into the street without looking first. Scooter riders should always yield to pedestrians.
So stay alert and be aware of your surroundings when you’re scooting to avoid any accidents.
3. Obey traffic laws and signals
Just like when you’re walking or riding a bike, it’s important to obey all traffic laws and signals when you’re on a scooter. This means coming to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights, and yield to pedestrians who have the right of way.
It’s also important to ride in the same direction as traffic. This might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people ride their scooters the wrong way down a one-way street!
Obeying traffic laws is not only important for your safety, but it’s also important for the safety of others. By following the rules of the road, you can help to prevent accidents and injuries.
So next time you’re out scooting, make sure to follow all the traffic laws and signals. It could save your life!
4. Use hand signals to indicate turns
When you’re scooting, it’s important to use hand signals to indicate when you’re turning. This will let other people know what you’re doing and they can adjust their own behavior accordingly.
To signal that you’re turning left, stick your left arm out straight. To signal that you’re turning right, stick your right arm out straight. And to signal that you’re stopping, stick both arms out straight and clench your fists.
Using hand signals is a great way to communicate with other people on the road and it can help to prevent accidents. So next time you’re scooting, don’t forget to use those hand signals!
5. Cross streets at intersections
When you’re crossing the street on a scooter, it’s important to do so at an intersection. This is because drivers are expecting pedestrians to be crossing the street at intersections and they are more likely to see you.
It’s also important to look both ways before crossing the street. This might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and forget to do this.
So next time you’re crossing the street on a scooter, make sure to do it at an intersection and look both ways before you go. It could save your life!
6. Ride on the right side of the street
When you’re scooting, it’s important to ride on the right side of the street. This is because cars typically travel on the right side of the road and it’s easier for drivers to see you if you’re on the same side as them.
It’s also important to avoid riding in the middle of the street. This is because it’s more dangerous and you’re more likely to get hit by a car.
By following these simple safety tips, you can help to keep yourself safe while scooting. Scooters can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to be safe while you’re riding. So next time you’re out scooting, make sure to follow these safety tips!
Have fun and stay safe out there! Scooters are a blast! Just remember to stay aware of your surroundings, obey traffic laws, and use hand signals when you’re turning.