Moped operators evaluated after MVCs were identified from 2007 to 2009. Demographics, hospital data, and Department of Motor Vehicles records were reviewed.
Sixty-five moped operators were evaluated. Thirty-two (49 % ) had a positive blood alcohol level, 29 (45 % ) had a previous DWI, and 21 (72 % ) of those were repeat offenders. Twenty-five (38 % ) had a revoked license at the time of injury. Of these, 19 (76 % ) incurred multiple revocations. Twenty-two (34 % ) showed prior charges of driving with a revoked license (DWRL), with 15 (68 % ) incurring multiple DWRL charges.
Moped operators are often intoxicated at the time of injury and represent a public safety hazard. The majority are recidivists with multiple alcohol-related traffic charges. Current laws allow repeat offenders the sustained opportunity to operate motorized vehicles. Re-evaluation of current moped laws is needed to keep habitual offenders off the road.