This session, the House of Representatives has filed ten bills aimed at finding a safety solution to the rising number of moped accidents that have occurred throughout the state in recent years. One bill in particular, co-sponsored by South Carolina State Representative Chandra Dillard, was filed early 2015 requiring moped users to wear reflective vests and to retrofit their mopeds with flashing tail lights.
Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed when drivers fail to see moped drivers and react in time to avoid a collision. Fatalities have been steadily increasing. According to the Department of Public Safety, 23 people died in moped accidents in 2013, and 32 people died in 2014. In these two years alone, South Carolinians have been involved in over 1,100 moped accidents. The following five South Carolina counties have been most heavily affected by moped accidents: Anderson, Greenville, Horry, Lexington, and Richland.
Moped accidents are often attributable to the following causes:
- Mopeds can be difficult for drivers to see, especially at night
- Before the passage of this bill, moped riders have not been required to wear reflective vests or helmets
- Mopeds typically only travel around 25-30 mph; other vehicles often traveling twice that speed can easily overtake them
- Mopeds are allowed to drive on any roadway where they are not specifically prohibited, including highways
- Mopeds can be legally operated by young, inexperienced drivers
We at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers are deeply saddened when we learn that another life has been lost in a moped accident. We are glad to learn that South Carolina’s leaders are coming up with new ways to help keep mopeds safe and fun for riders. However, we understand that many people choose mopeds because they are practical and money saving, and believe that they should not be over-burdened by regulations.
We want to see safety measures improved for moped operators without having to resort to requiring a special license or heavily restricting what roads they are allowed to travel on. The best solution would be to find ways to make moped riders more visible to cars and trucks in order to minimize the chances of them getting too close.
Has a Moped Accident Changed Your Life?
If you have been injured in a moped accident or suffered the loss of a friend or family member in a fatal collision, we understand how overwhelmed you may be feeling. We want you to know that the South Carolina moped accident lawyers at George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers are on your side. Let us fight to protect your rights and help you recover after your injury. While you focus on healing, we’ll work hard to help get you the money you deserve – fast!
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