A 10-year-old girl is recovering after investigators say she was struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter in northwest Harris County.
The crash happened near the intersection of Lincolns Meadow Drive and Dukes Run Drive. According to Harris County Precinct 4, the girl was riding on the sidewalk and entered the intersection near a crosswalk. Investigators say she did not stop at the stop sign before the collision.
The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.
The girl suffered significant injuries to her leg. Deputies applied a tourniquet at the scene to control the bleeding before she was transported to Memorial Hermann for treatment.
The incident comes as e-scooters and e-bikes become increasingly popular among children and teenagers, including some who use them to get to and from school.
Trauma experts warn of serious injuries
Melanie Bradshaw, Trauma Prevention and Community Outreach Coordinator with Memorial Hermann, says hospitals are seeing serious injuries involving e-scooters and e-bikes.
She says those injuries can include broken bones and cuts, but some patients suffer traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries that can have lifelong consequences.
Bradshaw recommends parents make sure children wear an appropriate, properly fitted helmet on every ride. She also advises riders to stay focused, avoid phones and headphones, never carry another rider and understand how to safely navigate around traffic and intersections.
She says parents should also consider whether their child is mature and physically capable enough to control the device before allowing them to ride.
Precinct 4 looking at additional safety measures
The crash is also prompting renewed discussion among local law enforcement about e-scooter and e-bike safety.
Harris County Precinct 4 says Constable Mark Herman’s office has begun reaching out to local school districts about safety guidelines for these devices.
The office is also working with local legislators and researching what additional guidelines or regulations could help keep young riders safe. Officials say the process is still in its early stages.
Danny Garza, an assistant chief with Precinct 4, says the goal is prevention and education.
The office has also encouraged deputies to talk with young riders they see using e-bikes and e-scooters and provide information about safety and applicable laws.
What parents and drivers should know
AAA’s new E-Ride Ready campaign provides families with guidance on e-bike and e-scooter safety, including helmet recommendations, where riders can legally and safely operate, and how parents can establish safety expectations before a child rides. AAA also recommends obeying traffic signs and signals, slowing down around intersections and driveways, and staying alert to vehicles and pedestrians. (AAA Newsroom)
For drivers, AAA recommends staying focused behind the wheel, watching carefully for e-riders, looking twice in all directions at intersections and slowing down in areas where children may be riding. (AAA Newsroom)
As school gets underway, local officials and medical professionals say the goal is not simply to discourage kids from riding — but to make sure children, parents and drivers understand the risks and take steps to prevent another serious crash.