CHRISTMAS is coming up and we know you have a neverending list of things to think about on the run up to the holidays.
The Clare Echo has teamed up with Martin Daly Autos to help you and your family stay safe on the roads this Christmas, so you have one less thing to think about.
The Road Safety Authority (RSA) is urging parents too prioritise their childresn safety and to avoid buying e-scooters scramblers or quad bikes this Christmas.
As part of new laws introduced in May of this year, individuals must be at least 16 years old to legally use an e-scooter in Ireland. They’re also banned from footpaths and users are not allowed to carry passengers.
The RSA also wants to remind parents that quad bikes and scramblers pose significant safety risks to children. They urge parents to avoid gifting these vehicles to ensure the safety and well-being of young people during the holiday season.
Four e-scooter riders were killed and 117 seriously injured on Irish roads between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023. During the same period, 1 other road user was killed and 20 more seriously injured in collisions involving e-scooters.
Casualty figures show that between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2023, 49 people were seriously injured in collisions involving a quadbike or scrambler on a public road. In the same period, there were three fatalities involving quad bikes or scramblers on public roads.
Sam Waide, Chief Executive of the RSA, explained: “The greatest gift parents can give this year is ensuring the safety of their children. Parents should not consider purchasing a quad or an e-scooter for any child this Christmas. It is crucial for parents and members of the public to be recognise that quads and e-scooters are designed to be operated by those of an age to fully understand the dangers they pose when not being used appropriately and/or on uneven terrain.”
If your child is looking for their own fun form of transportation this Christmas there are plenty of safe options to consider.
You can go for the classic mountain bike or razor scooter. If your child is looking for something a little different you could choose a skateboard or some roller blades. These options are fun for children and will give them a sense of freedom without putting them in harms way, just make sure to buy a helmet aswell.
If you have nay other concerns about vehicle or road safety this Christmas make sure to drop into Martin Daly Autos located in the Quin Road Business Park.
