Hawaii News Now reports that a 58-year-old man died after being thrown from his moped. The story indicates that he was headed eastbound on Farrington Highway near the Kapolei Golf course when his moped hit a curb. He was taken to the Queen's Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. This moped fatality marks the 4th major moped accident in a week. Other moped accidents occurred on Diamond Head Road, near the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and on Farrington Highway in Waianae. While Hawaii is an ideal location to ride mopeds and motorcycles, riders need to be aware of the numerous risks involved.
For example, many times moped drivers are inexperienced riders – maybe just renting the bikes while on vacation – and are unsure of the proper way to handle a moped or motorcycle. However, even the most experienced riders need to be on the look out for distracted drivers who may not see the moped or motorcycle. Further, riders need to pay attention to the rules of the road – zipping in and out of traffic and driving on the shoulder – may be risky and lead to a serious personal injury accident.
When moped or motorcycle accidents do occur they are often serious - causing potential life threatening injuries, including head, neck and spinal cord injuries. Wearing a helmet can help. According to the Hawaii Department of Health, in the event of a crash, helmets reduce the risk of death by 42% and the risk of head injury by 69%.
The recent moped accidents remain under investigation.
For more information or if you have suffered injuries in any type of accident, please contact the experienced Hawaii personal injury lawyers at Bostwick & Peterson LLP for an immediate consultation.
