Safe Summertime Scootering

4 November 2011

Safe Summertime Scootering

With summer fast approaching and young scooter riders keen to get out and enjoy the good weather, ACC is encouraging riders to add another layer of clothing.

Last year ACC paid out approximately $2 million supporting injured scooter riders, with a third of claims being for 15-24 year old riders.

ACC's 'Add another layer' campaign is targeting young riders who, while enjoying the freedom and convenience of their scooter, may not have given much thought to avoiding serious injuries if they do come off.

Even at low speeds scooter riders can be badly injured in a crash and nasty grazes are really common. Tee-shirts, shorts and jandals offer zero protection against the unforgiving asphalt and the risk of a more serious injury is far greater if riders aren't even covering bare skin.

"Just one layer of clothing can help reduce the seriousness of injuries" says Keith McLea, ACC's General Manager of Insurance and Prevention Services. "Simply adding a long sleeved jacket can reduce the severity of injury in 75% of crashes".

Dr McLea says that while full protective gear is always going to be best, wearing clothes you already have will still make a big difference. "Long sleeves, gloves, jeans or long pants, shoes or boots are your best protection. Plus wear a full face helmet to give more protection to your face if the worst does happen."

ACC wants young scooter riders to be able to spend the long sundrenched summer days having fun, not recovering indoors from an injury.

So give yourself a chance and add a layer. More safety tips and information for scooter riders is available at www.scootersurvival.co.nz

What to wear

Upper body

• Your upper body takes a lot of the impact - long sleeves and jackets buy your skin some time.
• Run your hands over the road and you'll see why gloves are essential.
• Don't have your face meet the road - full face helmets protect your chin, teeth and face.

Lower body

• Imagine your legs scraping against the road, it's not pretty - jeans or long pants help protect them.
• Your bare feet don't stand a chance - shoes or boots are your best protection.

ENDS

© Scoop Media