Moped riders 'should take extra care in autumn'

Date: 1/10/2010

Moped riders have been urged to be especially careful on the roads at this time of year.

According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), the proportion of casualties involving teenage users of the vehicles is highest in autumn.

Peter Rodger, Chief Examiner at the organisation, said the reason for the rise in accidents does not seem to be caused by weather conditions, as two-thirds of incidents involving fatalities or serious injuries occur when it is dry and light.

Instead, the IAM suggests the increase may be the result of a greater number of inexperienced riders on the road in September, as 16-year-olds might be starting college or buying a moped to get to and from work.

Mr Rodger stated the majority of teenage moped casualties happen near a junction, so riders could be safer by making themselves more visible and attending further training.

Autumn is also a peak period for collisions involving deer, the Highways Agency recently noted, as it advised drivers to be on the lookout for the animals.

Posted by Sarah Bailey