The moped of today is vastly different from the motor assisted bicycle which was at one time considered safe to be driven by fifteen-year-olds without a test. More than half of all young people who die in sweden die in traffic accidents. A large proportion of accident injuries among teenagers and those up to 25 occur during moped or motor cycle journeys. The survey shows that over 50% were injured in accidents involving only their vehicle, and only 34% in collision with another vehicle. Over 46% of moped drivers were under 16 at time of injury, and over 40% on light motor cycles under 17. Over 80% of those injured on heavy m/c were under 26. About 17% of drivers were quite unfamiliar with their vehicle, and over 50% had less than six months' experience. 19% of all m/c drivers had no licence. Most common injuries are to lower and upper extremities. Orthopaedic surgery treatment is required, average hospital stay being 31 days. Most of the injured are in the 17-26 age group, over 90% male; an infectious disease or occupational hazard of similar narrow incidence would long ago have resulted in drastic countermeasures. Protective clothing - overalls, gloves and boots - would reduce injuries.
Abstract