Abstract
Adolescent moped riders have a high risk of injury. Little is known about the causes and consequences of these injuries (Kopjar 1999). It is the aim of this study to analyse the causes and the type and severity of moped-related injuries and their post-traumatic outcome. The study was performed at the Department of Paediatric Surgery, Graz and the Trauma Hospital, Graz, which serve the county of Styria (1.2 million inhabitants; 250 000 children and adolescents aged between 0 – 18 years (2001)) as two major trauma units. In Austria the use of mopeds is restricted by law to persons aged over 15 years. The maximum speed of mopeds is limited to 40 kph and the engine capacity of mechanical engines is limited to 50 cc. (Author/publisher)