Wearing the right gear has saved a teenage moped rider from serious injury.

A 16-year-old from Black Notley was airlifted to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, after a Kia car was in collision with the 50cc moped he was riding.

Yesterday lunchtime's incident happened outside the Vine Inn in Witham Road, Black Notley.

The driver of the Kia, a 58-year-old woman from the village, was unhurt but shaken.

An ambulance service spokesman said initial calls suggested the rider might be seriously hurt and was lying in the road and was complaining of back pain, which can be extremely serious.

Emergency care practitioner Denise Bird said fortunately, his injuries were not as bad as first thought.

She said: "The lad was wearing all the appropriate equipment including neck support, which may well have saved him from a nasty injury.

"We would urge anyone who rides a motorbike of any type to get all the appropriate safety equipment - it could save your life."

Published Thursday, January 27, 2005

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