_Tophee_ and Creative CommonsMopeds are extremely efficient, compact, and generally cheaper than a motorcycle. But are they safe?

It’s up to you. While you do not need a motorcycle license to ride a moped, learning how to stay safe and understanding the basics of mopeds is essential to keep you safe.

The annual number of moped deaths in South Carolina “tripled between 2008 and 2012, mainly because more of them were on the road each year,” said state safety officials earlier this year. As moped popularity increases–especially in Utah, where there is a high population of young moped riders–the need for safety also increases.

Wear a helmet

Your moped does not have as much power as a motorcycle and you will not be driving it on the highway. Despite these two facts, you cannot disregard wearing a helmet. Driving a moped is still a huge hazard. Utah does not have a law regulating helmet use on mopeds, but that does not mean that wearing a helmet isn’t important.

Make sure other drivers see you

Sergeant Bob Beres of South Carolina’s Highway Patrol explains that moped riders can do certain things to protect themselves. He urges moped riders to make sure drivers can see them, which means wearing reflective clothing and putting blinking lights on the scooter or their helmet. “A lot of times you won’t see them until you’re right up on them,” he said. Sgt. Beres is right—mopeds are small and often very difficult for other vehicles to see. It is crucial to make sure you make it easy for them to see you. DMV.org explains that while you may want to look cool on your moped and skip wearing protective gear, “the more you can stand out the better,” because other drivers may be distracted.

Pay attention to the road

Other drivers may not be able to see you as well as you can see them. Use caution, and pay attention. Do not listen to music while riding and use proper hand signals when appropriate. You are still operating a motorized vehicle, so you are still subject to the rules of the road, and it’s even more important for you to be able to drive defensively and carefully because you are less protected.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation created the acronym “SEE” to help increase safety while driving. This pertains to mopeds, as well. “SEE” stands for

  • Search: Look around
  • Evaluate: Is it safe to turn? Is it safe to merge? and
  • Execute: Make sure that you are turning safely or merging safely when you actually execute the action.

Madison McGhee, a college senior said, “I use [my moped] for almost everything and anything.” Mopeds can be extremely effective to park in small spaces. For those who live in suburban and urban areas, and are looking for something low-budget, mopeds are a good choice. Make sure that when you ride your moped that wear a helmet, that other drivers see you, and that you pay special attention to the road.

Sources:

http://www.dmv.org/articles/safety-tips-for-riding-scooters-and-mopeds/

http://www.postandcourier.com/article/20140720/PC16/140729921

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/PreparingRiderstoSEEBetterPresentation.pdf

Photo courtesy of Tophee via Creative Commons