Australia: Scooter death epidemic “imminent” among elderly and disabled

An epidemic of deaths and injuries amongelderly and disabled Australians riding mobility scooters is justaround the corner, a new Australian study said.

Researchers from the Monash University Accident and Research Centre(MUARC) identified a serious emerging trend of such deaths andinjuries, and said the problem needed immediate attention and anational approach.

Their study found six people died and more than 150 were taken tohospital with injuries from scooter accidents in Victoria between 2000and 2005, with people aged over 80 most at risk.

MUARC injury prevention chair Professor Joan Ozanne-Smith said the realextent of injuries associated with scooters could be up to five timeshigher due to inadequate hospital surveillance systems.

She said the problem would only increase as the population aged andscooters became more popular with elderly and disabled people wantingto maintain an active, independent life.

More on this at http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5478,19257169%255E1702,00.html