Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
A heartbreaking tragedy on Chicago’s North Side has once again highlighted the dangers facing young e-scooter riders.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, 16-year-old Alex Blacio was killed after losing control of the e-scooter he was riding on North Western Avenue and being struck by a commercial truck. Police continue to investigate exactly how the collision occurred, and no conclusions should be drawn about fault while that investigation remains ongoing. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Regardless of how the investigation ultimately unfolds, the loss of another young life should be a wake-up call for parents, drivers, schools, and city officials.
E-Scooters Are Becoming a Common Sight Around Chicago Schools
At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we have previously written about the growing popularity of electric scooters throughout Chicago and the unique dangers they present. Those concerns are becoming even more significant as more high school students use e-scooters to travel to and from school, after-school jobs, athletic practices, and friends’ homes.
Around many Chicago high schools—including Lane Tech, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and others—it is common to see teenagers riding electric scooters during the morning and afternoon rush hours. Many students view scooters as a quick, inexpensive, and convenient alternative to waiting for a bus or asking parents for rides.
Unfortunately, these same hours are when traffic is often at its heaviest.
Large delivery trucks, CTA buses, commercial vehicles, rideshare drivers, commuters, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all competing for limited roadway space. Young scooter riders often find themselves traveling only a few feet away from vehicles weighing several tons.
The margin for error is extremely small.
Young Riders Face Unique Risks
Teenagers often have less experience judging vehicle speeds, anticipating traffic hazards, or recognizing dangerous road conditions. E-scooters themselves can become unstable when riders encounter:
- Potholes
- Railroad tracks
- Uneven pavement
- Wet streets
- Gravel
- Debris
- Sudden braking or swerving
Even a momentary loss of control can place a rider directly into the path of moving traffic.
As the recent North Center tragedy illustrates, a fall from an e-scooter can become catastrophic when large commercial trucks or other vehicles are nearby. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Drivers Must Watch for E-Scooters
Motorists also have an important responsibility.
Drivers should remember that e-scooters are smaller and less visible than automobiles. They may be hidden in blind spots, especially next to SUVs, buses, delivery vans, and tractor-trailers. Before turning, changing lanes, or opening a vehicle door, drivers should look carefully for scooter riders.
Many crashes occur simply because a driver never saw the rider until it was too late.
Distracted driving only increases these risks. Looking at a phone, adjusting navigation, or taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds can have devastating consequences.
Safety Tips for Teen Riders
Parents should discuss scooter safety with their teenagers before allowing them to ride on busy city streets.
Important safety reminders include:
- Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Stay as visible as possible by wearing bright clothing and using lights after dark.
- Avoid distractions such as headphones or texting while riding.
- Slow down at intersections and driveways.
- Never assume a driver sees you.
- Be especially cautious around buses, garbage trucks, delivery trucks, and semitrailers, which have significant blind spots.
- Use bike lanes whenever they are available and legal to use.
- Avoid riding aggressively between moving vehicles.
When Serious E-Scooter Crashes Occur
Not every scooter collision is simply an “accident.”
Some crashes result from negligent drivers, unsafe roadway conditions, defective scooters, poor visibility, or dangerous traffic designs. Determining exactly what happened often requires a prompt investigation, preservation of surveillance footage, witness interviews, vehicle inspections, and review of police reports.
An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all potentially responsible parties and preserve critical evidence before it disappears.
Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
As e-scooters continue to become part of everyday transportation in Chicago—especially for teenagers traveling to and from school—we hope this tragedy encourages both riders and drivers to exercise greater caution.
At Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., we have represented injured Chicagoans for decades. If you or a loved one has been injured in an e-scooter, bicycle, pedestrian, or motor vehicle collision, our experienced personal injury attorneys can evaluate your case, explain your legal rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.