Drastic increase in electric scooter accidents in Croatia

(Patria) - Almost every day, severely injured electric scooter riders arrive at hospitals across Croatia, local media report.

In the first eight months of this year, the number of accidents increased by as much as 50 percent compared to the same period last year.

The situation on the roads is so serious that the Zagreb police are conducting a special operation this week.

Scooter riders ride on both the road and the sidewalk, speed without helmets, and weave between pedestrians. They are dangerous to themselves and others.

The Zagreb police are conducting the "Control of Personal Means of Transport" operation this week with a special emphasis on scooters.

Today, they caught a rider without a helmet, who agreed to give a statement, but without revealing his identity.

- I have a helmet at home, but I don't wear it every day. I support police control. Scooters can be dangerous if not ridden according to regulations - said one scooter rider.

The fine for the offense of not wearing a helmet in Croatia is 30 euros.

- If paid within three days, it is half - 15 euros - says Mišel Matošević, a police officer for prevention in road traffic at the Zagreb Police Department.

Citizens support such actions and claim that order needs to be introduced among scooter riders.

- The most common offenses committed by this group of riders are improper movement on the roadway, not wearing a protective helmet, and using headphones in both ears - adds Matošević.

In the first eight months of this year, compared to the same period last year, there were 50 percent more electric scooter traffic accidents.

In the area of the Zagreb Police Department alone, more than 80 people ended up with bodily injuries.