There’s a reason why drinking and driving is illegal here in Michigan and in every other state. It’s dangerous, and people get hurt. Sometimes it even results in fatalities. So it should come as no surprise that a recent study published in Trauma Surgery & Acute Care Open shows that drunken scootering is no different – it’s dangerous and likely to result in someone getting hurt! (Because electric scooters are super safe, right?…)

Electric scooters have seen a huge jump in popularity in the last few years. They’re affordable, convenient and claim to be a greener alternative to cars (although new research has proven this to be incorrect!). But as it turns out they’re more than that – they’re also potentially dangerous, especially when used by someone under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Researchers say drunken scootering can be deadly!

Researchers from the University of California San Diego looked at data gathered from three major U.S. trauma centers between September 2017 and October 2018. The data showed that of the scooter accident patients tested for alcohol, more than half were above the legal limit of .08 BAC.

Also, about two-thirds of the scooter-crash patients were tested for drugs, and about half of those tests came back positive. Specifically, one third of drugged scooter “drivers” had marijuana in their systems, while one fifth tested positive for meth and other amphetamines. According to Consumer Reports, eight people have died in scooter crashes in the last year.

Part of the problem has to do with road rules…

Here in Michigan, our road rules are very clear. If you’re in a car, you stay on the road and follow the rules (like don’t speed, don’t change lanes without signaling, and don’t drink and drive!). If you’re on a bike, you ride in the bike lane, and if there isn’t one, you can ride on the road (and sometimes even on the sidewalk) but you have to follow the road rules.

But where do people drive when they’re riding electric scooters? Do you ride on the sidewalk? Most people say no, as the scooters are so fast they can be a hazard to pedestrians. And as for riding in the bike lane, that only works if there is one. Otherwise, scooter drivers are stuck driving on the road with all the other cars and trucks, which can be extremely dangerous when your top speed ranges from 18 to 50 miles per hour, depending on the scooter brand.

Don’t get arrested for drunk driving on an eScooter!

Just because you’re on an electric scooter and not in a car, doesn’t mean you can’t get into trouble for drunk driving here in Michigan! Causing a crash or injuring someone with a rented electric scooter while you’re under the influence can still result in criminal charges. So if you plan to zip around Lansing, MSU campus, in downtown Ann Arbor, around Grand Rapids or pretty much anywhere in Detroit, make certain you do it sober!

At The Kronzek Firm, we understand how easy it is to get caught up in the moment and have one too many. Many good people have made bad choices that have changed their lives. So if you get arrested for a DUI, whether you’re on an eScooter or in a car or in a boat, call 866 7NoJail and speak to one of our aggressive and very experienced drunk driving defense attorneys. We can help you 24 / 7 by calling 1 866 766-5245.