ELKHART -- With high gas prices, you've probably noticed more mopeds on the road. But police say it's important for people to know where they can ride them.

Hundreds of people are involved in moped accidents each year in Indiana. And police say the risk of getting hurt is pretty high.

They say both moped drivers and people in cars need to be more aware.

Six years ago, Jeff Sarginson bought his first moped.

"Well, gas prices are just crazy," he said.

As more drivers feel the pinch at the pump, businesses like North End Cycle are seeing an increase in sales.

"Realistically I would say [sales are up] about 20 percent," said North End Cycle spokesperson James Rogers.

And police say moped drivers should be aware of the risks. Last year there were more than 600 moped accidents reported across the state of Indiana.

"The thing to remember is the accident rate — when they do get into these accidents with these mopeds, statistics have shown this for the last few years — that there's around a 75 percent chance that you're going to be injured," said Indiana State Police Sgt. Trent Smith.

Police say knowing the law is also important. A person must be at least 15 years old to drive a moped. And there are restrictions on where they can ride.

"You can't ride mopeds on sidewalks, obviously that's not safe. And the other places you can't ride them specifically are interstates or closed highways or highways where the entrance ramps state that there's no pedestrian traffic or non-motorized vehicle traffic, simply because of the safety factor — typically those roads have higher speed limits," said Smith.

Mopeds aren't allowed to drive over 25 mph. And just like cars, they must follow all traffic laws.

"To remember that, most people when they are driving down the road, it's just like when people are riding a bike, they're not expecting anything other than a car in front of them. And if their attention is diverted for just a split second they may not see you," said Smith.

Moped drivers aren't the only ones who need to be aware. Police say people in cars also have to pay closer attention.

"They need to revert back to the old, not only defensive driving; but being 100 percent aware of what's going on around them at all times," Smith.

If someone is younger than 18 years old they must wear a helmet. All drivers must carry a valid state ID.

Mopeds don't have to be registered. But people who have what's called a motor scooter with an engine that's bigger than 49 CCs must register them. That's because it's considered a motorcycle.