MOPEDS: The high cost of cheap and poorly legislated transportation for negligent drivers.

Overview

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the impact of moped crashes in North Carolina, a state with lenient moped legislation by(1) describing the characteristics of moped crashes and (2) estimating the cost burden of moped-related injuries. METHODS: Health and public records of moped crash subjects treated at our hospital were reviewed. Direct costs were billed hospital charges. Indirect costs based on age and outcomes were calculated. RESULTS: Between 2008-2013, 368 subjects were involved in 373 moped crashes. 52% of drivers were intoxicated. 38% of drivers had prior DWIs and 26% had prior revoked licenses. Hospitalized subjects (n = 305) had a combined 2687 hospital days, 695 ICU days and 449 trips to the operating room for treatment of their injuries. Average hospital charges were $70,561 per subject. Total direct and indirect costs of moped injuries were over $26 million and $81 million respectively. Medicaid absorbed most of the direct cost ($13.7 M). Estimated direct cost of moped crashes across the state totaled $133 million. CONCLUSION: Healthcare and financial ramifications of moped collisions are substantial. Laws governing moped drivers and stricter penalties for intoxicated drivers are needed.