MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky.— Rising gas prices and scooter sales can go hand-in-hand as people look for ways to save money at the pump. They're much cheaper to drive, but can be dangerous. It's a fact demonstrated by two recent crashes.

A first date for a couple ended tragically in Louisville when their moped collided with a car Saturday night. The crash killed the driver and left the passenger brain dead and on life support. Neither were wearing helmets at the time.

The other accident happened in Cape Girardeau last week critically injured a SEMO student.
The deadly crashes are disturbing law enforcement and motorists who are trying to share the road.

"He just missed the stop sign and clipped me. When I hit the road on my back, I didn't think I would ever stop sliding," said McCracken County Chief Deputy Mike Turnbow in describing a motorcycle accident he was involved in. He walked away from the accident with his life, but many driving mopeds do not.

Turnbow said, "It doesn't have the power to get you out of a tight situation." Kentucky state law specifies that scooters and mopeds should not be able to go faster than 30 miles an hour, but there is new technology that allows some to go faster.

Some drivers like Abigail Toon said via Facebook that moped or scooter drivers have no place on the road. Monte Kennedy disagreed saying, "Why should I be punished for being a good driver just because other people don't pay attention?" 

Rising gas prices are making two-wheel vehicles more attractive, but there are ways to save cash and your own life. Turnbow said, "You need to protect yourself. That means wearing a helmet, long sleeves, and long pants. A lot of young people don't even think about that."

The law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets up until they've gone through training and had their permit for one year. On the flip side, moped or scooter drivers are required to have a permit or operators license, but state law does not require them to wear a helmet or go through training.