Tuesday, July 04, 2006

Mopeds can be dangerous

Yesterday Martha's Vineyard had its first moped death in five years, its fourth in ten years. The road was straight, the sun was shining, there was little traffic, it was 2:30 in the afternoon. But, apparently this 41-year-old visitor, here for the July 4 festivities, lost control of the moped and slammed into a utility pole. She died; her passenger is in serious condition.

I've never driven a moped but it seems as though it's just a bicycle with a motor. As a result, many neophytes rent them. There is no real training. They are given a helmet. And off they go to enjoy the Vineyard.

It is not just a bicycle with a motor. It can be dangerous for those new to it and new to the roads of the Vineyard. Usually there are at least a couple of very serious accidents each season, which indicates that something should be done to make sure the renters have some idea of how to drive these vehicles.

No comments: