Teens sustain injuries in reverse scooter stunt mishap
Thrill-Seekers' Misadventure
From the swings to the hospital bed - such was the terrifying journey for a couple of 15-year-olds in Braunau, after they embarked on an exhilarating yet dangerous task that's been stirring up buzz on YouTube and TikTok: riding an e-scooter on a playground merry-go-round. Here's a peek at the original, daring video that's swept the internet:
You wouldn't try this at home. If the merry-go-round has an entrance, you're bound to get flung off - that's accident-prone territory.
As demonstrated in the video, the teenagers utilized the power of their e-scooter and rear tire to propel the baby roundabout, inducing a dizzying and nauseating experience for the rider at the center (who, at least, donned a helmet). Matters get hairy when you lose your balance, as evident in clips online: bruises, fractures, concussions, and in worse-case scenarios, a stint in intensive care. Still, there are folks who'll giggle and give it a go.
Last Monday, around 8:00 PM, a band of teenagers in Altheim, Braunau, attempted the daredevil act on a playground, using an e-scooter to churn a rotating merry-go-round. The night didn't end as planned: two of the teens, a girl and a boy, both 15, sustained moderate facial and hand injuries. Emergency services whisked them off to Braunau hospital, while the others miraculously escaped unscathed. It's disheartening to imagine...
...that the footage might have found its way online.
Dangerous Games on Two Wheels
A four-year study reveals that a shocking 25% of e-scooter accident victims were under the influence of substances - be it alcohol, opioids, marijuana, or a combination thereof - at the time of the crash[1]. This calls for stricter safety regulations, including helmet mandates and substance usage prevention, to curb these needless accidents[1][2][3].
However, while the occurrence of e-scooter and merry-go-round challenges on social media isn't statistically documented, social media platforms tend to host various dangerous challenges that users should steer clear of[4]. Always prioritize safety over adrenaline – it's the prudent choice to make.
[1] Flexpartners Pro. (2022). E-scooter Injuries on the Rise: What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://flexpartners.pro/magazine/e-scooter-injuries-on-the-rise-what-you-need-to-know/
[2] Sharp, J. (2022). The Rise of E-Scooter Accidents: an Urgent Call for Safety Measures. Retrieved from https://www.thenewsmag.com/articles/the-rise-of-e-scooter-accidents-an-urgent-call-for-safety-measures/
[3] Techwire. (2022). E-Scooters: The Risks and the Regulations. Retrieved from https://techwire.com/escooters-risks-regulations/
[4] CNN. (2022). Online Dangerous Challenges: What Parents Need to Know and How to Protect Kids. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/18/health/social-media-challenges-parents-trnd/index.html
- The daring videos of teenagers risking their safety by riding e-scooters on merry-go-rounds have been prevalent on YouTube and TikTok, causing general-news outlets to report on the increasing car-accidents and injuries related to such stunts.
- Instead of emulating these thrill-seekers, it's crucial for teenagers to be aware of the potential risks and consequences that come with participating in such daredevil acts, as incidents have led to hospital visits and even crime-and-justice implications.
- A four-year study has revealed that a significant percentage of e-scooter accident victims were under the influence of substances, highlighting the importance of enforcing stricter safety regulations, including helmet mandates and substance usage prevention, to minimize accidents.
- Aside from e-scooter challenges, social media platforms are hosting various dangerous games that users should avoid participating in, as they can potentially lead to injury or worse.
- To ensure safety and promote responsible behavior, it's imperative to prioritize general safety over seeking thrills – a choice that could prevent needless accidents and save lives.
