''It is up to each and every one of us, whether we are pedestrians, motor vehicle users or mobility scooter users, to play our part to ensure we are all safe footpath and road users, so that figure is not repeated in the next five years.''
Mrs Palmer, Age Concern Otago spokesman Niall Shepherd, Mobility Scooters Otago owner Tony McCarthy and
Senior Constable Jacqui Ballam, of Mosgiel, are holding a ''Mobility Safe Day'' at the Mosgiel RSA next Wednesday at 1pm.
The New Zealand Fire Brigade will talk about fire safety and the correct way to charge a scooter battery.
Mrs Palmer said the speakers would give safety tips and mobility scooter users could air their concerns.
Mr McCarthy would talk about safety features on scooters and accessories to make a scooter safer.
If time permitted, there would be a scooter handling workshop.
A similar event in Mosgiel last year attracted 60 scooter owners, Mrs Palmer said.
Riding a mobility scooter carelessly, inconsiderately or at a dangerous speed could result in a $100 fine or more, she said.
And if a scooter rider caused a crash, and there was injury or death and the rider failed to stop, they could be convicted and fined up to $4500 or jailed for three months, she said.
Mobility scooter safety tips
• Give way to pedestrians.
• Use the footpath if available.
• Travel at a courteous speed.
• If involved in a crash, stop and see if anyone is injured.
• If someone is injured, report the crash to police within 24 hours.
• If you have lost your driver's licence because of vision or hearing issues, maybe a mobility scooter is not a suitable transport option for you.
• Do not use a mobility scooter under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
• Use your scooter in a careful and considerate manner.
Source: Dunedin City Council
