A little thing called safety

For some reason people think scooters are safer than motorcycles.
Sure, they run a little differently. Most scooters don't have a clutch you worry about and brake handles on both handlebars, but many of them can go just as fast as a car. So why is it people think they are safer and don't require a layer of protection?
I wondered this when I visited Key West for what will probably be the only time.
In that island borough scooters are everywhere, and they aren't to strict about who can rent them. Problem is everyone goes around on them without a helmet or proper shoes.
Maybe it's the laid back element but just because it's a small machine with just enough power to go on a highway doesn't mean it can't lead to a dangerous situation.
Without the proper shoes you can have rocks fly up and cut your feet, or get them run over by an unthinking driver.
Just like a motorcycle, you're exposed to the elements, wind, rain, heat. So you should wear the proper clothing.
And just like a motorcycle, scooters are small, so unwitting drivers are less likely to notice you and more likely to pull out in front of you and cause a deadly accident.
Yet, too many people don't wear helmets when riding them. Don't wear the proper shoes. Don't wear pants that cover their legs and protect their skin from abrasions if they fall. Don't think that yes, it's small and fun to buzz around on, but that SUV following you isn't. And isn't thinking to be very careful.
That's up to the scooter driver.

And there are a lot of people who think anyone can do it. Watch the fool below who doesn't even buckle her helmet before she crashes. (Won't do you any good if it's not on your head!)