On August 7, Suga, a member of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, was found fallen outside his apartment building after riding home drunk on his electric scooter. While many fans were quick to express concern for his safety and well-being, the incident also sparked a larger conversation about the dangers of driving under the influence, regardless of the type of vehicle involved.
The controversy mainly lies in whether driving an electric scooter (or any other smaller vehicle) while under the influence is truly as dangerous as driving a larger vehicle. Some argue that because electric scooters are smaller and slower than most vehicles, the risks are minimal, and the potential for significant harm is low. They believe that the public and media reaction to the incident is being blown out of proportion, pointing out that falling off a scooter is much less likely to result in injury to others compared to a car crash.
While some downplay the dangers, others firmly believe that drunk driving is dangerous no matter what vehicle you’re in. Alcohol doesn’t discriminate. They argue that whether it’s a car, a bike, or even an electric scooter, alcohol will impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. These are essential skills for operating any vehicle safely, and the misconception that smaller or slower vehicles are less dangerous when driven under the influence is not only false but also potentially deadly.
The way I see it, driving an electric scooter while drunk might seem less risky compared to getting behind the wheel of a car, but it carries its own set of dangers. Electric scooters may be smaller, but they can reach speeds as fast as twenty-five miles per hour, a speed that could potentially cause serious injury in the case of an accident. In an urban area especially, scooter accidents are more likely to involve pedestrians, other vehicles, or stationary objects, leading to severe consequences for both the rider and others involved. Additionally, like all other vehicles, riding a scooter under the influence can lead to falls, collisions, and a lack of control, which again endangers the safety of yourself and others.
Suga’s recent incident should serve as a stark reminder that drunk driving is a serious issue, no matter the vehicle. The consequences can be dire not just for yourself but also for anyone on the road. For the safety of yourself and others, please don’t drink and drive—whether you’re on an electric scooter, a bike, or in a car. The decisions we make on the road affect not only our lives, but the lives of everyone around us.
Electric Scooters and Bikes, and Alternative Form of Transportation. Unagi Scooters