A 23-year-old man driving a moped died in a fatal accident after colliding with a Chevy Silverado on May 10, 2013. According to police, the Chevy was traveling southbound on Baxter Avenue turning left on Eastern Parkway when it collided with the moped. Clay Mauldin, the moped’s driver, was taken to the University Hospital with critical injuries. He was later pronounced dead. On the other hand, the driver of the Chevy was not hurt. Police reported that Mauldin was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.
Related: Protective Clothing and Equipment for Motorcycle Safety
Statistics
- Wearing a helmet has been estimated to reduce the risk of head injury by 85%.
- During 2008–2010, a total of 14,283 motorcyclists were killed in crashes. Of those, 6,057 or 42% were not wearing a helmet.
- Through May 26, 2013, statistics by the Kentucky State Police indicated that there were 176 motor vehicle fatalities and 11 motorcycle fatalities were not wearing helmets.
The law
A moped is defined as, “a motorized bicycle whose frame design may include one or more horizontal crossbars supporting a fuel tank so long as it also has pedals, or a motorized bicycle with a step-through type frame which may or may not have pedals rated no more than two brake horsepower, a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimeters, an automatic transmission not requiring clutching or shifting by the operator after the drive system is engaged, and capable of a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour.”
Kentucky law requires every person 16-years-old and older to obtain and possess a valid operator’s license or instruction permit before operating a moped. Moreover, Kentucky state law prohibits a person to operate or ride as a passenger on a moped without wearing approved protective headgear and an approved eye protective device required for motorcycle operators and passengers. When stopping or running, all operators of mopeds on the streets are obliged to use the appropriate light signals.
Related: Beware: Drowsy Driving Can be Just as Fatal as Drunk Driving
Kentucky moped requirements
On Jefferson County streets, no moped shall be operated unless it is equipped with the following:
- At least one and no more than two headlamps
- One red light, which upon illumination, is visible for at least 500 feet
- At least one white reflector on each side of both the front and rear wheel, which upon illumination, are visible by approaching vehicles from a distance at least 100 feet
- A horn or other sound device
- An exhaust system
- A flag attached to a vertical pole of no less than four feet in length
- A rear view mirror
As a Kentucky Motorcycle Accident Attorney, I advise all motorists to follow the law. Obeying the law would definitely help prevent accidents, injuries and even death. Kentucky law mandates the operator of a moped upon any Jefferson County street to operate the vehicle in a careful manner with regard for the safety and convenience of pedestrians and other vehicles upon the street. One effective way to stay safe on the road is to follow its rules. However, in case you or a loved one got hurt in an accident caused by a negligent party, it is important to seek medical attention right away. If you feel that legal action is necessary, get legal advice from a personal injury attorney.
For more information contact the personal injury lawyers in Louisville at The Shafer Law Office today!
Related: Truck Accident Lawyer