@article{ref1,
title="Mopeds: the high cost of cheap and poorly legislated transportation for negligent drivers",
journal="Accident analysis and prevention",
year="2018",
author="Ode, Gabriella and Sing, Ronald and Hsu, Joseph and Seymour, Rachel and Bosse, Michael",
volume="117",
number="",
pages="121-127",
abstract="INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the impact of moped crashes in North Carolina, a state with lenient moped legislation by(1) describing the characteristics of moped crashes and (2) estimating the cost burden of moped-related injuries. <br><br>METHODS: Health and public records of moped crash subjects treated at our hospital were reviewed. Direct costs were billed hospital charges. Indirect costs based on age and outcomes were calculated. <br><br>RESULTS: Between 2008-2013, 368 subjects were involved in 373 moped crashes. 52% of drivers were intoxicated. 38% of drivers had prior DWIs and 26% had prior revoked licenses. Hospitalized subjects (n = 305) had a combined 2687 hospital days, 695 ICU days and 449 trips to the operating room for treatment of their injuries. Average hospital charges were $70,561 per subject. Total direct and indirect costs of moped injuries were over $26 million and $81 million respectively. Medicaid absorbed most of the direct cost ($13.7 M). Estimated direct cost of moped crashes across the state totaled $133 million. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Healthcare and financial ramifications of moped collisions are substantial. Laws governing moped drivers and stricter penalties for intoxicated drivers are needed.<br><br>Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0001-4575",
doi="10.1016/j.aap.2018.03.023",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.aap.2018.03.023"
}