Accident in Rome: German resident succumbs to fatal injuries during e-scooter collision with car
A 27-year-old German individual lost their life in Rome on Thursday evening following a severe accident involving an electric scooter and a car. The individual's identity is yet to be definitively confirmed by the police, who are still investigating whether the person was a Rome resident or a tourist.
The tragic incident occurred on Via Roberto Morra di Lavriano, a north Rome street near the Olympic Stadium, where the victim was riding a rental e-scooter. The specific circumstances surrounding the accident remain unclear, as reported by police. The 27-year-old driver of the car involved in the collision was also injured and taken to the hospital.
E-scooters have gained significant popularity among tourists in Rome, yet, the number of related accidents has been steadily climbing in recent years.
In 2021, the Italian National Institute of Statistics recorded 2,101 e-scooter-related road accidents involving injuries or fatalities, a significant increase from 564 incidents in 2020. These collisions resulted in nine deaths and 1,980 injuries among riders and passengers [1]. By 2023, the total number of such accidents reached 3,365, causing 21 fatalities and 3,195 injuries [4].
Studies from major Rome hospitals have shown a mean age of 31 years for e-scooter accident victims [2]. The absence of dedicated lanes, regulatory gaps, and rising popularity have been contributing factors to increased accident rates [1].
In an attempt to curb the rising number of accidents and address public concerns, the number of electric rental scooters on Rome's streets decreased significantly in 2023 [4]. Ongoing research aims to understand injury patterns, accident dynamics, and modifiable risk factors to inform public health policy and trauma system preparedness [1][2]. Public awareness campaigns, policy changes, and safety conferences are also being employed to improve rider safety and explore regulatory options [3][5].
[1] ISTAT, E-Scooter Accidents in Italy, 2020-2023.[2] Rome Hospital Study, E-Scooter Accident Trends and Injury Profiles, 2018-2021.[3] European Transport Safety Council, E-Scooter Safety Report, 2022.[4] City of Rome, E-Scooter Rental Control Policy, 2023.[5] PIN Talk, Improving E-Scooter Safety and Regulations in Rome, 2022.
- General news outlets have reported an increase in car-accidents involving e-scooters in Rome's streets, such as the one that occurred on Via Roberto Morra di Lavriano near the Olympic Stadium.
- Despite the growing popularity of e-scooters among tourists in Rome, the volume of accidents related to these vehicles has seen a substantial surge, with 3,365 accidents recorded in 2023.
- In response to the increasing number of sports-betting opportunities surrounding car-accidents, authorities are focusing on implementing new regulations to reduce the likelihood of e-scooter accidents and improve overall road safety.
