Advisory
2002-44
June 12, 2002
For immediate release
Health Canada reminds Canadians about scooter safety
OTTAWA - Scooters are a popular recreational product for children and a number of injuries have been associated with their use. Many of these injuries can be prevented by following some basic safety precautions. Health Canada would like to remind parents and caregivers of the following tips to ensure that scooters are safe and used safely:
- Always wear a certified helmet, as well as knee and elbow pads;
- Check all fasteners (e.g., nuts and bolts) for tightness;
- Make sure both the handle bars and the steering column are fully locked into position before use;
- Ride on smooth paved surfaces and away from motor vehicle traffic;
- Avoid riding on surfaces that are wet or uneven, or on sand or gravel;
- Never ride the scooter at night; and
- Always supervise children under the age of 8.
Canadians should also be aware that Transport Canada considers motorized scooters restricted-use motorcycles. Therefore, under the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations, they must bear a label indicating that the vehicle is not intended for use on public roads. For details on where motorized scooters can be used, and for age restrictions or recommendations, please consult your provincial/territorial Ministry of Transportation.
For more information on scooter injuries, a report from the  Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) database is available on the Internet.
For more information on scooters, please contact the nearest regional Product Safety Office of Health Canada listed below:
-30-
Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1588
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
|
