Scooter safety in the spotlight

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NRMA Motoring & Services, ACCC, CHOICE, EnableNSW and Vision Australia have banded together to launch a national survey to help understand how and why Australians are using mobility scooters.

The NRMA funded research survey follows recent ACCC injury data which revealed more than 60 fatalities and hundreds of injuries are associated with mobility scooter accidents.

Interested members of the community are invited to take part in the survey. The survey closes 5 April 2012 and is available from the NRMA website at www.mynrma.com.au/scooters and the Product Safety Australia website at www.productsafety.gov.au/mobilityscooters. Mailed copies are also available by calling the ACCC’s Infocentre on 1300 302 502.

ACCC Commissioner Sarah Court said the number of people injured in accidents associated with mobility scooters was increasing, which is why the ACCC was working with a range of stakeholders, including the NRMA, to look more closely at the issue.

“The aim of the survey is to provide more information about how people are buying and using mobility scooters and what training they also receive,” Ms Court said.

“Motorised mobility scooters are increasingly being used by older people to help maintain their independence and provide physical, social and health benefits.

“The survey results will help us to better understand safety issues surrounding mobility scooters and their users and target any future work in this important area.”

NRMA Director Coral Taylor said the coalition of organisations involved in the survey were all committed to gaining a comprehensive understanding of how people used mobility scooters in order to make them safer.

 

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