Moped Safety
Mopeds are a fast and convenient way for students to get around campus. But they also require cautious driving practices, especially as cold weather sets in. Mopeds are involved in 30 to 40 injury-producing accidents per year in the campus area.
The university recommends that students bring their mopeds home for the winter, but if they choose to drive one, encourage them to take caution. Driving a moped in the winter is much more difficult than during other seasons. As it gets colder, students should slow down, since it becomes more difficult to stop on wet pavement or snow. The UW Police Department urges students to:
- Leave additional braking distance in case of skidding.
- Drive more slowly and more carefully on wet and icy pavement.
- Use eyewear, such as goggles, glasses, or a motorcycle helmet with a visor.
- Equip your moped with a headlight.
- Test your brakes to judge stopping distances.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Never drive with additional riders.
And most importantly, students are reminded that a moped is a motor vehicle. Driving a moped under the influence of drugs or alcohol subjects them to the same penalties as driving a car.
For more information, visit www.safeu.wisc.edu/protect/getting-around.html.