Will the road traffic act reduce electric scooter injuries?: an observational study in Republic of Korea

Abstract

This study investigated changes in clinical characteristics, including the severity of electric scooter-related damage, before and after revision of the Road Traffic Act that became effective on 13 May 2021. This retrospective single-center observational study was conducted at the Emergency Department (ED) of a tertiary university hospital in Incheon, Republic of Korea. The pre-revision period was set from 13 May 2020, to 30 November 2020, and the post-revision period from 13 May 2021, to 30 November 2021. Patients who visited the ED with E-scooter injuries during the study period were included. Data on patients’ demographics, helmet use, alcohol use, Korean Triage and Acuity Scale, diagnosis and location of the injury, stay duration at ED and ED outcomes were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome was a change in Injury Severity Score between the pre-and post-revision periods. A total of 100 patients were included, and the results showed no significant difference between the two periods in Injury Severity Score (3.00 vs. 2.50, p = 0.607), helmet use (1.9% vs. 2.1%, p = 1), alcohol use (5.8%vs. 8.3%, p = 0.708) and stay duration at ED (157.00 vs. 183.00, p = 0.964). The facial area was the most common area of injury during both periods. Despite revision of the Road Traffic Act since May 2021, no significant difference was observed before and after the revision in the behavior of E-scooter users and severity of injuries. We believe that continuing public campaigns, encouraging the use of personal protective gear, promoting responsible attitudes and implementing stricter traffic laws might help reduce E-scooter-related injuries.