Serious Columbia Crash Raises Scooter & Moped Safety Concerns

Two traffic alerts last week indicated that a serious early-morning moped or motorcycle crash occurred in the vicinity of Whole Foods on Little Patuxent Parkway and Cedar Lane in Columbia, Maryland. Few details are available, but it appears that the reports are likely referring to the same incident and that the victim was severely injured. The tragic crash highlights the risks that people using two-wheeled vehicles face every day on Maryland roads. Regardless of the specific vehicle, anyone on two wheels is a vulnerable road user who faces the possibility of catastrophic injuries if they are involved in even relatively minor collisions with larger four-wheeled cars, SUVs, or trucks. Although all road users should be vigilant and exercise caution to protect their own safety, those in larger vehicles should be especially careful when driving around motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

Information we have so far on the crash or crashes

Unverified reports indicate that there was a motor scooter crash near Whole Foods on Little Patuxent Parkway. In one account, the rider was described as a 20-year-old male. Both reports indicated that the victim was unconscious or unresponsive and stated that he was airlifted to the hospital. No official report or public statement regarding the crash or the victim’s status is available.

Maryland rules for mopeds and motor scooters (MVA)

Although people may use the terms interchangeably, there are differences between mopeds and motor scooters in Maryland. The state defines these vehicles in the following way:

Moped” means a bicycle that:

•   Is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor;
•    Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;
•   Has two or three wheels, of which one is more than 14 inches in diameter; and
•   Has a motor rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.

“Motor Scooter” means a non-pedal vehicle that:

•  Has a seat for the operator;
•  Has 2 wheels, of which one is 10 inches or more in diameter;
•  Has a step through chassis;
•  Has a motor: (i) With a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less; or (ii) If the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less; and
•  Is equipped with an automatic transmission.  “Motor Scooter” does not include a vehicle that has been manufactured for off road use, including a motorcycle and all terrain vehicles.

Maryland has a long list of rules that those riding mopeds and motor scooters must follow. Along with title and registration-related requirements, riders must have a valid driver’s license or moped operator’s permit. The minimum age for legally operating a moped on public roads is 16. When obtaining a title, the owner must certify that they have proper insurance coverage and carry their insurance card while operating their vehicle.

The state also requires the use of a DOT-compliant helmet and mandatory eye protection (unless the scooter or moped has a windscreen).

Riders must stay as close to the right side of the roadway as practical, unless they are:

• Turning left
• Passing slower vehicles
• Avoiding road hazards
• The road is a one-way street
• The right lane is for turning only
• The lane is too narrow to safely share

In addition to other requirements, these smaller two-wheeled vehicles cannot travel on roads with a posted speed limit over 50 mph or expressways (limited-access highways).

Safety tips from MVA

The MVA also offers the following safety tips for riding these vehicles.

• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing to increase visibility
• Avoid riding in other vehicles’ blind spots
• Stay within your skill level
• Obey all posted speed limits

However, even cautious riders can suffer injuries if other road users are careless, reckless, or negligent. Motorists in larger vehicles need to respect the space and safety of those using smaller vehicles.

Maryland drivers must work to prevent crashes with mopeds and scooters

Driving is a huge responsibility. Motorists who fail to exercise reasonable care and caution can cause tragedies – and face consequences as well. Some things for all motorists to keep in mind include:

• Look twice at intersections and when turning
• Check blind spots before lane changes – smaller vehicles may be more challenging to see in mirrors
• Avoid distracted driving like texting, eating, or programming GPS
• Yield appropriately to scooters and mopeds operating lawfully on the roadway
• Give plenty of distance when passing smaller vehicles
• Slow down when traveling in bad weather or areas with a lot of vulnerable road users

On the last point, note that crashes involving vulnerable road users that occur at higher speeds are much more likely to result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries as compared to those at lower speeds.

Call Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. if you’ve been injured in a moped or motor scooter accident

Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., has been representing injury victims in Maryland since 1985. We support our clients in their efforts to recover losses related to their injuries, like medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs.

Tragic crashes involving mopeds and motorcycles illustrate how quickly serious injuries can occur on Maryland’s roads. Drivers in larger vehicles share responsibility for preventing these incidents, and part of that responsibility includes being aware of and respecting the space of vulnerable road users. If you or a loved one sustained injuries in a moped, motor scooter, or motorcycle crash, we’re ready to help. Call us or fill out our contact form today to schedule a consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.