Ableworld join Nottingham Trent in safety drive

<p>&lt;<em>p&gt; Delighted that Ableworld branches in Newark and Lincoln have teamed up with Nottingham Trent University on a project to improve the safety of the increasing number of people using Mobility scooters.&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Motorised mobility scooters have become one of the most popular methods of assisting mobility and short distance travel and their use has been linked to a range of positive health and well-being outcomes. These include increased mobility, independence, increased community activities, improved self-esteem and for many, mobility scooters are a life-line, allowing people to continue to participate in their day-to-day lives. The increasing numbers, with recent government statistics indicating over 330,000 being used, means that attention is required to ensure safety for the users plus pedestrians, cyclists and in the case of the larger models, other road users.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Doctor Duncan Guest of the Department of Psychology at Nottingham Trent University has obtained funding from the Road Safety Trust to fund research of this topic. This is a study of the hazards facing scooter users. As part of the study scooter users are being invited to take part in a mobility scooter route around Nottingham City Centre, which will last approximately 45 minutes. For this, participants will be asked to drive a set route on a mobility scooter. The route is all on pavements but does involve several road crossings, including both marked and unmarked crossings.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Once the route has been completed, participants will then be invited back to one of the labs at Nottingham Trent University at a convenient time to be interviewed about the driving experience. They will be shown video footage of the drive and will be asked several questions about what they saw and how they felt about the drive. The ultimate aim of the research is to provide a training DVD which will include footage showing real situations with advice on how to avoid danger. In addition, a nationwide survey is taking place enabling scooter users to detail experiences in their own areas.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; Scooter users wishing to take part in either the survey or the driven experience should contact research assistant at the university Georgina Gous on 07896549066.or by e mail at&amp;nbsp;&lt;strong&gt;[email protected]&lt;/strong&gt;,.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;When we sell a scooter at Ableworld we go through a 12-point check list which includes guidance on how to use the scooter and also the safety. aspects in addition to providing a specialist ‘Highway Code’ to every client &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Ableworld also recommend annual servicing in order to ensure continued safety and this is carried out at both of our stores. We can even arrange collection for those who cannot get into the stores.’ &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;</em></p>