The CLASSIC NOOB CRASH! GOING WHERE YOU ARE LOOKING!

Enjoy the Duma$$ery of this little video. "Scooter Power!"

Now watch it again and let me break down the Duma$$ery for you.

NOOB ALERT #1:

As the first scooter comes around the corner, you can see that the guy is a total Noob. The scoot is wavering but at least he keeps it under control. Your first sign of possible trouble.

NOOB ALERT #2:

As we know, NOOBs often run in pairs. And sho nuff, here comes NOOB #2 taking the corner WIDE. Now you know there will be TROUBLE!

DUMA$$ BREAK-DOWN:

As the girl begins her turn, you can see that she is NOT looking where she SHOULD BE going.

A. It is important for scooter riders to turn their head and focus on where they are going. You can see she is turning the scooter like a car, very stiff, with no lean.

B. She is also not looking beyond her front wheel while turning. It is important that you scan ahead while riding to help you navigate properly.

C. Surprised by Yelling Scooterist, she does two things at once - she over-twists the throttle and Target Fixates.

(POINTS TO REMEMBER: In a 'PANIC" Situation. Just take your hand OFF THE THROTTLE AND SLOW DOWN!)

Okay - After she over twists the throttle she then falls into another noob mistake. TARGET FIXATION. She sees the object up ahead and panics.

From Wikipedia:

Target fixation..."in an avoidance scenario, the observer can become so fixated on the target that they will forget to take the necessary action to avoid it, thus colliding with the object.

This is a common issue for motorcyclists and mountain bikers. A motorcycle or bicycle will tend to go where the rider is looking; if the rider is overly focused on an obstacle, the cycle can collide with that object simply because of the rider's focus on it, even though the rider is ostensibly trying to avoid it."

DUMA$$ERY SUMMATION:

CRASH!

I rest my case.

HOW TO AVOID A CRASH LIKE THIS:

1. Look where you want the scooter to go. Turn your head and lean.

2. If you are startled or panic, take your hand off the throttle.

3. Focus on the area next to a Target, that is where you want to steer your scooter. This takes a bit of metal dexterity, but you can do it.