Australia Working Holiday Visa Holder Admits Guilt in Fatal E-Scooter Crash in Australia

Tragic E-Scooter Accident in Perth

A recent incident in Perth, Western Australia, has highlighted some serious issues surrounding e-scooter use, particularly for international visitors.

What Happened

A 25-year-old English tourist named Alicia Kemp has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death while under the influence of alcohol. This occurred while she was riding an e-scooter on May 31. Tragically, her actions led to the death of a 51-year-old man, Thanh Phan, who sustained life-threatening injuries and later passed away in the hospital.

Kemp, who was sharing the scooter with a passenger, reportedly crashed into Phan while travelling at about the maximum speed of a rental e-scooter, which ranges from 20 to 25 kph (12 to 16 mph). Both she and her passenger suffered minor injuries.

Legal Consequences

Kemp was in Australia on a working holiday visa when the incident occurred. Initially, she faced an additional charge related to her passenger’s injuries, but this was dropped during her court appearance via video link from jail. Unfortunately for Kemp, bail has been denied, and she remains in custody pending her next court appearance on October 31. The potential penalty for her actions could be as severe as 20 years in prison.

Her lawyer, Mike Tudori, noted that Kemp is understandably anxious about her situation, especially considering she is a young foreign national. He conveyed that she realises the gravity of her actions and wants to move forward with her life.

Impact on E-Scooter Use

In the wake of this tragic event, city officials in Perth have suspended e-scooter rentals. This incident also marked the fifth e-vehicle fatality in Western Australia this year alone. In response, the state government has announced an inquiry into the safety regulations around these vehicles.

It’s worth mentioning that Melbourne, in Victoria, took a precautionary step back in 2022 by becoming the first Australian city to impose a ban on e-scooter hire. This decision aligns with similar actions taken in cities around the world, including Paris, which voted overwhelmingly in early 2023 to ban e-scooters.

Key Takeaways

1. Be Informed: If you’re considering using an e-scooter while visiting Australia or New Zealand, it’s essential to understand the local laws and safety regulations.
2. Stay Safe: Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure that you’re in a fit state to operate any vehicle, including e-scooters.
3. Know Your Rights: International visitors must be aware of the legal repercussions of their actions while in another country.

As more tourists flock to Australia and New Zealand, being informed about local transport regulations will contribute to safer experiences for everyone.

What do you think?

Have a question about this topic or your own plans to move to Australia or New Zealand? Scroll down and leave a comment. We’d love to hear from you.

Thinking about moving to Australia?

Join our free and supportive community at Oz Visa Forum.
Post in our forums to get advice and support from people who’ve already made the move.

Not sure where to start? Click here to get started