Pennsylvania state senator working with family of girl who died in scooter accident on new safety bill
On June 14, 12-year-old Abby Gillon and her close friend Bella Jones were thrown from a single electric scooter into oncoming traffic near Lehr Boulevard and Concord Road in Aston. Abby died from her injuries. Bella was released from the hospital last week.
Now Abby's family, along with Delaware County state Sen. Tim Kearney, are working to prevent future tragedies. Kearney plans to introduce Abby's Law to create safety regulations for electric scooters.
Currently, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey all prohibit the operation of motorized scooters on public roads, sidewalks or public lands, something he says is simply not happening.
"I think it's important really incumbent upon us in the legislature to catch up a bit," Kearney said. "These e-scooters are here, and people are going to use them," he said. "We want to give guidelines both for parents ... (and) kids who want to ride them."
Abby's Law would recognize e-scooters as regulated micromobility vehicles, establish helmet requirements based on age and create more public awareness about safe operation. Kearney said Abby's family has been instrumental in this effort.
"The family has been nothing short of amazing … and the way they're trying to deal with this incredibly horrible situation for them is to make sure other people are protected," Kearney said.
Kearney will introduce Abby's Law when the Senate resumes in September. If passed, it could take effect as early as this fall.
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