A grandfather living in Haverford Township was so moved by the tragic death of 12-year-old Abby Gillon following an electric scooter accident that he demanded more be done in his hometown, writes Yukare Nakayama and Emily Rose Grassi for NBC 10 Philadelphia.
Gillon was killed back in June when she was hit by a car while riding an electric scooter in Aston. Her friend, 11-year-old Bella Jones, was badly hurt in the same accident and only recently returned home from the hospital.
“Obviously, it’s horrible. It’s every parent’s nightmare, and it’s grandparents’ nightmare. It’s everybody’s problem,” said Joe Selfridge, speaking Monday, July 14, to Haverford commissioners.
Selfridge said he isn’t the only one worried about electric scooters, as several children have been seen riding them on busy streets.
There are few regulations on electric scooters compared to motorized scooters or motorized pedal cycles, which require registration and insurance.
The Haverford Township Police Department is also concerned. They’ve reported three serious accidents this year involving electric scooters.
Haverford Police have safety programs in place to educate the public and are working on a township ordinance addressing electric scooters.
Find out more about the reaction in Haverford Township to the dangers of electric scooters at NBC 10 Philadelphia.
