After a fatal accident in Lyon, how to ride a scooter safely? Dr. Kierzek’s advice

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)

Tuesday morning around 3:45 a.m., a Korean student hit a tanker truck on the Montée de Choulans, in Lyon. The young woman, who was riding a scooter, is now brain dead.

The driver appears to be “out of the cause”

It had only been a few months since this Korean student decided to settle down in Lyon, in a university residence in the 5th arrondissement.

Bad luck, Tuesday morning, at the intersection of Montée de Choulans and Rue des Macchabées, the young woman hit a tanker truck while she was riding an electric scooter.

Directly transported to the hospital, the young woman is now in “brain dead“, affirms Le Progrès.

If the driver of the heavy goods vehicle seems to be out of the blame in this affair – he was driving, according to the media Lyon Mag, at a “moderate speed“, “respected the green light“and had not taken”drugs” – investigations continue.

Was the victim, aged 21, under the influence of alcohol during the incident? Was she the victim of a simple malaise or did she lose control of her vehicle? For the moment, no avenue has been ruled out.

According to the Road Safety report, the number of deaths on scooters increased by 7% in 2023 compared to last year. A scourge, which particularly affects the youngest, fans of speed and (non) wearing helmets.

However, by being extra vigilant on your two-wheeler, the majority of accidents could be avoided. Dr Gérald Kierzek recalls, in this respect, two main basic principles on the road.

Next, the scooter must be equipped with a complete safety device.

• Effective braking system;
• Audible warning sound at a distance of 50 meters;
• Front and rear position lights;
• Rear and side reflectors to ensure your visibility.

It is also appropriate to demonstrate “be very careful on the road“, warns the medical director of Doctissimo.

• In urban areas, “Always use cycle paths and lanes. If they are not available, you can travel on roads limited to 50 km/h” ;
• It is also “inprohibits driving on sidewalks, unless the mayor specifically authorizes it and even in this case, the speed must be limited to 6 km/h”;
• Obviously, it is appropriate to “do not transport several people or goods on your scooter” ;
• While driving, headphones or telephones must be banned.to stay attentive to the environment” ;
• Also avoid “to drive near parked cars to prevent accidents linked to opening doors” ;
• Finally, “although the wearing of helmet is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to ensure your safety in the event of a fall“.