From Deseret News archives:
Measure targets scooter-rider age
Dee aims to define 'parental supervision'
HB208 is scheduled for a hearing today before the House Transportation Committee, and the bill's sponsor, Rep. Brad Dee, R-Ogden, calls the piece of legislation a "no brainer."
Under current state law, a simple note from Mom or Dad could satisfy the requirement of parental supervision for any child operating a motorized scooter.
That needs to change, Dee says.
"I certainly don't want to be Big Brother, but anytime you're using a motorized scooter, you have some responsibilities," he said.
His proposal would prohibit anyone under the age of 8 from operating a motorized vehicle on public property, unless he or she is within view of a parent or guardian.
The American Academy of Pediatricians and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission both recommend 12 as the youngest age anybody should attempt to operate a motorized vehicle.
Urbanscooters.com CEO Frank Minero agrees. His company is an online retailer of motorized scooters and has nothing to do with Dee's bill.
"I watched an 8-year-old girl crash her scooter and get hurt pretty badly twice in the course of a few weeks. I said to myself then, 'This girl is going to kill herself,' and after checking with some emergency room supervisors, I realized this is a bill we need," Dee said.
Last year, Primary Children's Medical Center treated 26 scooter-related injuries, while releasing 78 more kids after treatment in the ER, said Kris Hansen, the hospital's trauma program manager.
But Dee says children can still enjoy their wheels, even when the motor is running.
"This bill merely defines what 'parental supervision' means," he said.
E-mail: abenson@desnews.com
Comments
- Living with children 11:08 a.m.
- Briton sentenced in Nemescu's death 11:07 a.m.
- Quaid launches national program 11:06 a.m.
- 4 vie for Britain's Turner Prize 11:05 a.m.
- Bernanke eases rate jitters 11:03 a.m.
- 'Carmen' opens La Scala season 11:03 a.m.
- Billboard names One-Hit Wonders 11:01 a.m.
- Shakira to addres Oxford Union 11:00 a.m.
- Bacons perform at fundraiser 10:59 a.m.
- Commercial spaceship unveiled 10:55 a.m.
- BYU professor remembered
- BYU and Utah's bowl games
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Y., U. to learn bowl destinations
- The forgotten ship: USS Utah
- Letters: Liberal because LDS
262 - Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
232 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
190 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
176 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
131 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
115 - Cougars going back to Vegas
110 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
98 - Harpring's NBA career is over
95
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
RE: Gig James Hansen is the lead climate scientist at NASA and has been a...
Funny stuff, Ann. Thanks.
"Make the lie big enough, make it simple, keep saying it, and eventually they...
We need everyone to stop breathing out CO2 to save the planet....
@ Anonymous 10:4 am: So would the cost of your computer and internet...
What a bunch of manure. If someone chooses not to run for the legislature...
This will effect health care, make it more expencive and limited/rationed....
This is terrible. I hope we see lawsuits over this. Unbelievable.
She reminds of Merrill Cook. Her campaign is self-imploding with each press...
What a disappointment this is. It sure would have been nice to see TCU face...



You can be the first to comment on this story.