A 15-year-old in Bunnell, California, narrowly avoided serious injuries after colliding with a deputy’s patrol car while riding an electric scooter. Footage from the patrol car’s dash camera was shared online, serving as a lesson for those who ride similar vehicles.
According to a press release issued by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the incident occurred on Wednesday, June 3. During the afternoon, an FCSO deputy was traveling on a local street at 19 mph.
While having the right of way, as per the release, a 15-year-old on an electric scooter allegedly ran a stop sign. Shortly after a collision occurred.
The teenager was evaluated after Flagler County Fire Rescue responded to the scene. Thankfully, the minor was not seriously injured.
Footage Shared, Reactions
The FCSO, alongside its press release, attached a video that shows the exact moment of the impact. The patrol car’s dash camera shows a blonde teenager riding the e-scooter, rapidly moving toward the deputy’s path of travel.
A moment before the inevitable collision, the teenager falls backwards in an attempt to prevent a body hit. The scooter, meanwhile, crashed into the patrol car. Shortly after, the teen stood up and walked across the patrol’s line of sight, signaling that he was okay by nodding his head.
Meanwhile, many users, some citizens in Flagler County, reacted to the clip, mostly with criticism. One said, “Too many young kids think they’re invincible until they’re not.” Another one commented, “Parents need to teach kids the laws.”
Similar E-Scooter Incident
Just hours apart, the Painesville Police Department in Ohio shared a similar clip on Facebook. It showed a parked vehicle on a sidewalk while a car was seen approaching in the distance.
Once both vehicles are about to meet, a child suddenly pops up and attempts to drive into the roadway. Fortunately, the boy quickly saw the oncoming car and narrowly avoided a tragedy by moving to his left.
The footage was captured by an officer’s dash camera while he was conducting a traffic stop. The PPD emphasized the dangers of blocking sidewalks, and asked citizens for “a little consideration.”
Recommendations
Meanwhile, the FCSO shared various recommendations for those riding e-bikes and e-scooters. These include carrying a photo ID, using helmets when drivers are under 16, obeying the rules of the road, and lighting up at night.
The sheriff’s office also warned about the use of illegal, modified e-bikes, as well as other devices that aren’t allowed to circulate publicly in Palm Coast. It also clarified that drivers should be at least 11 to operate e-bikes on public roads, sidewalks, and paths.
“Parents, please take a few minutes to talk with your kids about riding safely,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “These devices are fun, but they share the road with cars, trucks, and deputies. Let’s all do our part to keep our riders safe.”