A recent lawsuit filed against Penn State University and one of its football players has brought attention to the growing concerns surrounding electric scooter use on college campuses. The legal action stems from a February incident where a 6-year-old boy suffered severe injuries after being struck by an e-scooter operated by freshman defensive tackle De'Andre Cook.
The lawsuit, filed on November 12 by the child's father, Shane Richard, alleges that Cook failed to yield at a pedestrian crosswalk on North Burrowes Road, resulting in a collision that left the young boy with two pelvic fractures, a broken foot, and head injuries requiring four staples. The family's legal team, Ostroff Godshall Injury and Accident Lawyers, claims that Penn State violated its own policies by providing athletes access to banned scooters, thereby contributing to the incident.
The crash occurred on February 18, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m., as Shane Richard and his son were crossing a designated pedestrian crosswalk on Penn State's campus. Cook, who is listed at 6 feet 4 inches tall and 282 pounds, was reportedly riding an electric scooter at high speed when he collided with the 55-pound child.
This case highlights the ongoing debate about the safety of electric scooters in pedestrian-heavy areas, particularly on college campuses. As e-scooters have gained popularity as a convenient mode of transportation, concerns about their speed, maneuverability, and the potential for accidents have increased. The lawsuit against Penn State brings into question the university's responsibility in enforcing safety regulations and the potential consequences of making exceptions to established policies.
The legal action seeks damages from both Cook and Penn State, citing negligence in the scooter's operation and the university's failure to enforce its campus-wide ban on motorized scooters. According to the lawsuit, Penn State policy prohibits the use of scooters that do not meet Pennsylvania Vehicle Code requirements. However, the suit alleges that student-athletes were granted exceptions to this rule, raising questions about preferential treatment and its impact on campus safety.
This incident and subsequent lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for universities across the country. It may prompt other institutions to reevaluate their policies regarding e-scooters and other alternative transportation methods on campus. Additionally, it could lead to increased scrutiny of how universities balance the convenience of these vehicles with the safety of pedestrians, particularly in high-traffic areas.
The case also brings attention to the potential risks associated with the growing e-scooter industry. As these vehicles become more prevalent in urban and campus settings, there may be a need for more comprehensive regulations and safety measures to protect both riders and pedestrians.
For Penn State, this lawsuit presents a significant challenge. The university's response to the allegations and the outcome of the case could influence its reputation and potentially impact its policies moving forward. The incident may also affect how the university manages its athletic program, particularly in terms of privileges or exceptions granted to student-athletes.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will likely continue to draw attention to the broader issues of campus safety, the responsibilities of educational institutions, and the regulation of new transportation technologies. The outcome could set important precedents for how similar incidents are handled in the future and may influence policy decisions at universities nationwide.
