Henderson, Nev. – In response to two recent collisions that injured teenage riders of electric scooters, the city has been awarded a $50,000 grant dedicated to e‑device safety education. The funding, sourced from a state transportation safety program, will be deployed immediately to protect young residents who increasingly rely on scooters for short trips.
Why the grant matters
Last month, 14‑year‑old Torri Mortensen was tragically killed after a vehicle struck her while she rode her e‑scooter across a crosswalk. A second incident this week involved a teenager near Durango High School who was struck but escaped serious injury. City officials say these accidents highlight a gap in knowledge about road rules and safe riding practices among youth.
City’s safety plan
“As e‑devices are rising in popularity, many of the riders, the youth especially, are not familiar with the rules of the road or how to handle their devices safely,” said Tory Jackson, Henderson’s public‑safety liaison. The grant will fund a multi‑pronged program that includes:
- Hands‑on safety workshops held at elementary, charter and private schools.
- Free helmet distribution events to ensure riders have proper protective gear.
- Targeted outreach campaigns that teach students to walk their scooters across crosswalks, giving drivers more time to see them.
City data indicate that 85% of students hit by vehicles last year were riding electric devices, underscoring the urgency of the initiative.
Community involvement
Local parents, school administrators and law‑enforcement officers will collaborate on curriculum development, ensuring the material reflects real‑world scenarios. The program also plans to partner with neighborhood associations to spread safety messages beyond school walls.
“Our goal is to prevent any more families from experiencing the pain that the Mortensen family endured,” Jackson added. “By teaching kids the basics—like stopping at crosswalks and wearing helmets—we can make our streets safer for everyone.”
Looking ahead
The city intends to expand the program to include after‑school clubs and community events, creating a culture of responsible e‑device use. Officials will track progress through school surveys and traffic‑safety reports, adjusting the curriculum as needed.
With the grant now in hand, Henderson joins a growing number of Nevada municipalities taking proactive steps to protect young riders while preserving the convenience that electric scooters offer.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
