A recent incident in central Moscow involved a Mercedes-Benz driving into two children who were crossing the street on a rented scooter. The event was reported by the Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate via its Telegram channel and has prompted renewed discussion about street safety for young riders and the responsibilities of drivers in busy urban areas.
The traffic police described the location as the Presnenskaya Embankment in the Ev 10 district, where the Mercedes driver struck two minors who were crossing at a designated pedestrian crossing. The statement indicated that the crossing was controlled, yet the children did not dismount from the scooter and continued onto the roadway while the light permitted crossing for pedestrians.
Authorities noted that the riders, born in 2010 and 2012, were on a rented scooter at the time of the collision and sustained injuries. The incident underscores the challenges that arise when younger pedestrians and motorized devices share space on crowded city streets, even at locations designed to facilitate safe crossing for everyone.
In the wake of this accident, discussions have resurfaced about the introduction of physical barriers or other safety measures in pedestrian zones and near crossings to slow scooter traffic and improve visibility for drivers. The Institute for Contemporary Policy Studies has publicly urged leaders at the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate to review current urban traffic arrangements and consider targeted safety enhancements for areas with mixed pedestrian and scooter activity.
Concurrently, lawmakers have moved to address the broader issue through proposed amendments. A bill currently under consideration by the State Duma would impose fines, potentially reaching up to 30 thousand rubles, on operators of scooters and other small personal transport devices who violate traffic rules. Advocates argue that stricter penalties could deter risky behavior and support safer street environments for children and other vulnerable road users.
Experts point out that urban streets must accommodate a range of travel modes without compromising safety. This incident illustrates how even at controlled crossings, misjudgments by pedestrians or drivers can lead to injuries. It also highlights the importance of proper rider behavior, such as dismounting when crossing, using protective gear, and understanding signal timing at pedestrian zones. The event serves as a reminder that supervision and education for young riders and their guardians remain crucial components of road safety campaigns.
City authorities and traffic safety officials continue to monitor the situation and assess whether additional traffic calming features, clearer signage, or enforcement measures are warranted in the affected districts. The overarching aim is to reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in the future while preserving the mobility benefits that scooters provide to residents and visitors alike. Public safety communications emphasize vigilance from drivers to expect scooters and other micro-mobility devices in shared spaces, and for riders to respect traffic controls and the safety of crossing pedestrians. No further details about the condition of the injured children were released in the latest statements, but authorities reaffirm their commitment to providing timely updates as the investigation progresses. [Source: Moscow State Traffic Inspectorate]