A British woman has been charged in Australia following the tragic death of an Australian man due to an e-scooter collision. Alicia Kemp, 24, from Redditch, allegedly struck Thanh Phan, 51, while riding an e-scooter in Perth city centre on 31 May. According to prosecutors, she was under the influence of alcohol, with a blood alcohol level of 0.158—well above Australia's legal limit of 0.05. This incident marks a serious escalation in concerns surrounding e-scooter safety, as it occurred amidst a backdrop of rising injuries related to similar vehicles in Western Australia.
In a court hearing, prosecutors described CCTV footage that depicted Ms Kemp's "inexplicably dangerous" driving. They highlighted evasive actions taken by pedestrians before the collision. Mr Phan sustained critical head injuries from the accident and passed away two days later. The charge against Ms Kemp carries significant consequences, with a potential maximum prison term of 20 years for death by dangerous driving while under the influence. She has also been charged with dangerous driving occasioning bodily harm, as her passenger suffered serious injuries, including a fractured skull and a broken nose when the e-scooter crashed.
Court proceedings revealed that both Ms Kemp and her passenger had been drinking since the afternoon and were forcibly removed from a bar prior to renting the e-scooter that evening. Following the incident, Perth authorities reacted promptly by suspending e-scooter hire services in the city. This suspension aligns with the growing concern over safety regulations for e-scooter use, especially given the alarming increase in e-scooter injuries in the region. In 2022, the Royal Perth Hospital noted a rise from 39 to 62 serious e-scooter admissions, with many cases linked to alcohol consumption and a shocking lack of helmets.
The situation surrounding e-scooter safety in Australia has drawn public attention, particularly after a string of severe incidents. Earlier this year, the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy following a similar accident in Perth led to widespread calls for improved safety measures, particularly concerning helmet use. Additionally, the Western Australia police minister has initiated a review of e-scooter regulations, signalling a potential overhaul of existing safety guidelines aimed at preventing further fatalities.
Mr Phan's family described him as a beloved husband and father, expressing their grief and calling for regulatory changes to prevent similar tragedies. They emphasised the need for stringent safety measures concerning hire e-scooters to mitigate risks, which have become increasingly prevalent as these devices gain popularity.
As incidents involving e-scooters continue to escalate, the conversation surrounding responsible use and regulatory oversight is gaining momentum. From reviewing drink-driving laws to implementing mandatory helmet regulations, authorities are under pressure to ensure that safety comes first for users and pedestrians alike. The community remains watchful as this story unfolds, hoping for a swift resolution that prioritises public safety.
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Source: Noah Wire Services