A mother's heartbreaking campaign for e-scooter safety was featured on BBC Breakfast, where she spoke of reliving the tragedy of her son's death every day.
A Mother's Heartbreak
On Saturday, November 15, BBC Breakfast hosts Naga Munchetty and Charlie Stayt presented a segment that deeply moved viewers. They shared the story of 14-year-old Jacob Calland, who tragically lost his life earlier this year when the private e-scooter he was riding collided with a car.
Jacob's mother, Carly Calland, appeared on the programme to discuss the campaign she has launched to warn other families about the potential dangers associated with e-scooters. In a pre-recorded interview, she explained the powerful symbolism behind her campaign's imagery.
"The reason we've gone with empty chairs is because this Christmas, I am going to be sat at my Christmas table with an empty chair," Carly stated. "The thought of that is hard, and I don't want anyone else to have to sit with an empty chair at Christmas. My 14-year-old boy is not going to be with me this Christmas... I just want people to keep their families [close], because I've not got mine this year."
The Call for E-Scooter Regulation
Carly's campaign is notably not calling for an outright ban on e-scooters. Instead, she is advocating for them to be properly regulated and made safer. This is a crucial point, as riding private e-scooters on public roads is currently illegal in the UK, though the practice remains common. The legal use of e-scooters is confined to rental schemes approved by the government.
During her emotional studio appearance, Carly paid a touching tribute to her son. She brought along a teddy bear that now accompanies her on her journey, containing Jacob's ashes.
"Jacob's dream was to travel the world, so his ashes are inside the bear and he's now travelling with us," she shared with the hosts. "It's comfort knowing that he's by my side and I'm by his side, and we're doing this journey together."
Turning Pain into Purpose
Charlie Stayt acknowledged the immense difficulty of her situation, noting that campaigning forces her to continually confront her grief. "Whilst you're obviously passionate and want to make change, that, in itself, can't be easy because you're having to relive something that is deeply, deeply painful," he observed.
Carly confirmed this, but revealed her powerful driving force. "I'm reliving it every day," she said. "The thing is for me, I like to turn my pain into Jacob's power. I'm saving people's lives. Every day I show up, every day I get through my days. It's not easy. I do have bad days, but at the end of the day, Jacob's legacy is going to save people's lives."
Naga Munchetty offered words of comfort and validation, concluding, "You're entitled to as many bad days as you like, may I say." The segment highlighted the urgent need for improved e-scooter safety and regulation across the country, putting a human face on a growing public safety issue.
