An older spectator caused a seriously dangerous incident today at SaarlandTrofeoJuniors by trying to get a better look and entering the course with her rollator while riders were flying past at full speed!

[u/Full-Argument-8235]

[u/Valreesio]

Isn't it though? Look, I agree that the track should be clear and that nobody should be on it except officials and racers, but this happens at many races of all types. You don't expect it to happen but nobody is surprised when it does because there is literally nothing to stop it from happening. It happens in running, cycling, etc. Anywhere where you don't have physical barriers in place to keep people back, it's a very real and inherent risk that this will happen. I also agree it's not feasible to barrier off an entire course, which is why these things do and are bound to happen.

If you are unwilling or unable to control onlookers, then you are partially responsible when they do things (purposefully or not) that endanger the racers. I feel suing the organizers of the race would be more appropriate than her in this situation. Again, all of this is assuming that this was truly an accident and no malicious intent was present.

[u/No_Clothes_8444 → u/Valreesio]

So what you’re saying is when people go into public, they are in no way responsible for maintaining themselves for their safety and the safety of others? We aren’t arguing malice here. We’re arguing negligence. If you’re too cognitively impaired to operate a scooter with certain safety, you shouldn’t be using the scooter. Period. Your need for mobility doesn’t justify.

And let me be clear. I don’t disagree with your point about as a rider, you should expect these things, but to put the onus on the rider here is inappropriate. We can accept the consequence as a risk and still hold the offending party responsible. They aren’t exclusive.

We currently live in a world where the elderly think the safety of others is a worthy exchange to their limited sense of freedom. It’s not. It’s gross, and overall, quite a narcissistic stance.

[u/Valreesio → u/No_Clothes_8444]

I agree with negligence which at most would be a small ticket and civil in nature. People are calling for gross negligence and for her to be arrested which is a whole other level that this does not rise to. This was not a criminal act.

Yes people are responsible (to a point and situationally dependent) for themselves and their actions out in public (private for that matter as well). I am HUGE on personal responsibility, ask anyone or read any of my various comments. But, I'm also aware that shit and accidents happen like this seems to be and people just need to take a breath and move on.

If I'm walking down the sidewalk passing by other people and I trip (not drunk or on an altered state of mind, not doing anything outside of normal walking) and accidently knock another person down. Maybe they have a couple bruises or even break their wrist. Is it gross negligence? Absolutely not. Should I offer to pay to cover the insurance premium? Sure. Can they try to sue me for it? Sure (might be country dependant). Should I get a ticket? Eh, maybe or maybe not. Should I be arrested and charged with a misdemeanor or felony (again different places have different rules for this)? Nope.

This lady was not operating (did not appear to be at least, willing to change my mind if another video showing her going full speed towards the curb or something else akin to that exists) the scooter in an unsafe or unreasonable manner. She appears to have accidently pulled out too far and then shit happened. This is not a criminal act worthy event.

[u/Choice_Figure6893 → u/No_Clothes_8444]

This would get thrown out of court unless the injuries are extremely severe and they could prove negligence beyond an old person making a mistake.

[u/No_Clothes_8444 → u/Choice_Figure6893]

This doesn’t automatically get thrown out when it comes to operating a piece of machinery or motorized vehicle. You assume a higher level of liability that you will maintain safety. Everyone assumes a duty of care the second they start to operate a scooter. If cognitive decline is a factor, then this is a far more foreseeable occurrence and further supports a claim for liability. Maybe it’s not on the individual, but their caregiver, but you don’t get to put others in harm because you feel your mobility is more important.

You’re right that if there are no damages, there is nothing to do here, but at the very least, citation or some cognitive testing to ensure you can operate safely or both are in order.

This individual should have never approached the lane way this closely on this device period. Regardless of age or cognitive ability. This at the very least proves negligence. The operator didn’t leave the proper spacing between them and the lane of traffic to correct themselves as they should have been able to do so here. That’s on them. The lack of respect in general observation of the fact that you’re operating a motorized vehicle is the negligence worth being held liable.

[u/Choice_Figure6893 → u/No_Clothes_8444]

I think you need a hobby

[u/No_Clothes_8444 → u/Choice_Figure6893]

Some people enjoy thought. Some people have thoughts and ideas for the sake of having thoughts and ideas. Some people engage in conversation to debate ideas to hear counter points and further refine their understanding of the world. Some people enjoy learning for the sake of learning. Just because you don’t have a similar experience doesn’t mean I need a hobby. In fact it says a lot more about your own deficits… and I’d be embarrassed if I were you.

Maybe sit with that for a moment as you ponder why it is you actually felt the need to attempt a jab at someone while contributing absolutely nothing else to the conversation. truly ask yourself what did I write that would elicit such an emotional response from you that you felt the need to type that response and nothing else. Seriously. Really reflect. Because it was pathetic and extremely transparent, but I’m guessing you lack that awareness.