Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorcyclists are less likely to encounter lawn clippings around urban areas. The content found on this website is for informational purposes only, and is NOT legal advice. Grass may seem a harmless obstacle for the majority of vehicles on roads. 31% of fatally injured riders didnt have a valid drivers license. Injuries are sustained in 90% of motorcycle accidents that involved riders who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, lawn clippings have many purposes that benefit the environment. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error. One is that motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, making them more likely to be involved in a collision. As with any potentially hazardous condition on the road, if you see clippings or they are reported to you then act accordingly. As the owner of your property, the law will hold you accountable for any accidents that occur. You are not considered a client until your case has been accepted by TorkLaw and a client retainer has been signed. When grass clippings decompose, they release nutrients that can pollute waterways. It may surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents grass on the road can cause. If grass clippings on the street are a result of negligence by a lawn care company or a homeowner, this can be seen as a failure to upkeep safe working circumstances. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding. They may slow down, switch lanes, or cross over a double yellow line to avoid grass clippings. Motorcycles have to maintain contact with the pavement with both tires . For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777 . ,{"@type": "Question", also read: How Much Does Motorcycle Speedometer Repair Cost?if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knowmotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_1',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If a motorcyclist is injured or killed in an accident involving your grass cuttings, they could seek to hold you liable in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Tom Fowler Law Firm takes every victims injuries very seriously and are dedicated to getting you the money and justice that you and your family deserve. So what can you do to avoid becoming a statistic? 3/4 of bike accidents involve other vehicles, while only 1/4 are single-vehicle accidents. They do a great job of preventing death by almost 37%. jurisdictions determine and administer fines. Problem solved. In rural areas, 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. There is a shocking amount of motorcycle crashes that result in fatalities every year. And finally, speeding and alcohol use are both major contributing factors to motorcycle accidents. Over the last few years, many U.S. states started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides. The clippings covered an 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile of the public roadway at the time of the crash. Pankey was ticketed for violation of 415 ILCS 105-4 under the Litter Control Act for mowing his grass clippings directly onto the road and covering an 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile of the roadway with grass. CALL US:(515) 231-1438 | SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION . Although there A Hidden Danger: Motorcycle Accidents Caused By Grass in the Road June 9, 2022 Motorcyclists love the freedom their rides give them as they fly down the roadway. According to a recent study, grass clippings are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, North Carolina does not have a state-wide statute to deal with the issue of grass . to motorists. Other times it is directly caused by property owners tossing their grass clippings into the street. In some cases, especially on rainy days, the bike can slip from underneath the rider and cause an accident. And while people may not intend to create a dangerous situation, its still important to be aware of your impact on others. How to Polish Aluminum Motorcycle Parts A Comprehensive Guide, How to Adjust Motorcycle Suspension for Your Weight. On that note, the NHTSA also states that deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included. "name": "What are 40% of Motorcycle Crashes Caused By? One thing you can do involves mowing the grass closest to the road last. Motorcyclists who wear safety clothing are less likely to require hospital help. Determining liability in these situations can be complex. saugus police accident report; the windmill massacre ending explained; felipe esparza daughter cancer. also read: Are All Motorcycle Clubs Bad?if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'knowmotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Yes, grass clippings are really dangerous for motorcycles. * Law Tigers is a national association of independent law firms in various states that represent motorcycle riders. Contact us Today! Although more dangerous than cars, motorcycles can be driven safely and be a reliable source of transportation, fun, and even relaxation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2018. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. The study found that over 50% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by grass clippings, and that the majority of these accidents occur during the summer months. But even if you do not get killed in a motorcycle accident, the chances of you sustaining fatal injuries that could lead to permanent disability are very high. Quentin Blount Staff reporter; May 13, 2019 May 13, 2019 Updated May 13, 2019; 1 of 3 . There have even been a few accidents where riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from under them while riding around. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is rider error. 200 Clive, Iowa 50325 Call: (515) 231-1438 Fax: (515) 631-5148 tom@tomfowlerlaw.com Water constitutes for up to 80% of grass, causing it to become extremely slippery under pressure. Grass clippings do not normally cause accidents when motorcycles are ridden through them at normal speeds. Over the years, several reports and studies have proven that motorcycles are a dangerous form of transportation. Inattention/Distraction Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events and news at SteelHorse Law. may be oblivious to the fact that the simple action of sending the freshly cut -Not paying attention to their surroundings Law Tigers is not affiliated with any government or nonprofit entity. This increases their chances of crashing, even if they are experienced and attentive riders. The problem then becomes how do we identify these spots as dangers before we ride through them? Attorney Keyes was able to negotiate a settlement of the limits of the car's insurance policy within 2 months. Motorcycle protective clothing reduces the chance of open-wound injuries, as stated by the George Institute for Global Health. The authorities are still investigating the exact circumstances of the accident, but it appears that the victim rode into a large clump of grass that had been blown onto the road by the wind. Lack of attention is still one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. People who ride motorcycles face a higher risk of getting into fatal accidents. Another possibility is for riders to gain compensation from their own MedPay insurance policies. Wet grass clippings after light showers can make things even worse. In fact, the NHTSA has even issued a warning to riders about the dangers of grass clippings on the road. No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings | May 25 / 2022 | . In 2017, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to die in motorcycle-related accidents per mile traveled. Unfortunately, due to the lack of awareness regarding this issue, many riders still get hurt in motorcycle crashes caused by piles of grass. In such situations, the responsible party remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable evidence proving their case. The motorcycle can lose control because . Almost half of all fatal accidents showed alcohol present. This causes the motorcyclist to lose control and can lead to a wreck. 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. Unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents. Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle accidents. Unfortunately, many riders allow themselves to become distracted by things like other vehicles, passengers, cell phones, etc. Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. However, there are some circumstances in which a motorcycle might slip on grass clippings, such as if the clippings are wet or if the bike is going too fast. And for these measures to be effective, you need to know what causes motorcycle accidents. The faster a motorcycle is going, the less time a rider has to react to hazards in the road. However, women are a part of these statistics even when theyre not riding, often sitting in the passenger seats. There are several factors that contribute to the high number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries every year. Stop Grass Clippings from Going in the Road It's very easy to cut your grass in a way that doesn't blow the clippings into the road. Sometimes it is poor road conditions. I hope you understand. Free Case Appraisal. For a free legal consultation, call 1-800-414-5196. (50-) of a public highway; or. If your line of work is taking you into these areas you should always be careful. Try utilizing the clippings as garden bed mulch or animal feed. "acceptedAnswer": { Another safe option is to use a leaf blower to clean up the road after trimming. However, although riding is a popular trend, statistics show that theres still much room for improvement. Its important to note that alcohol impairment doesnt just make it more difficult for riders to operate their bikes safely it also makes them more likely to be involved in an accident due to decreased reaction times and judgment. Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out. } (1) Trucks with 10,000 pounds or less gross vehicle weight. Negligently If a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings, it can cause the rider to lose control and crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the United States in 2015. Do you know where a helmet impact occurs the most? Grass is 85 percent water. Cheryl Zeglen and her husband Tom were riding . Generally, yard waste that blows onto Alcohol Use: Alcohol was a factor in 29% of all motorcycle fatalities in 2015. Many different types of road hazards can cause a motorcycle wreck in Nevada. In 2018, 28% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drunk drivers. In 2017, 34% of motorcycle accidents were caused by speeding. Because riding is perfect when it is sunny and bright, states with warmer weather continue to see high numbers of motorcycle-related deaths every year. "text": " Its best to avoid riding over dew-soaked or rain-soaked grassy areas when there is no dry path available, but for the most part, grass does not affect motorcycle safety unless one rides through it very fast and loses control. permission and does not immediately remove it; Negligently A driver who takes his or her eyes off the road for even a second can easily miss a motorcycle with devastating consequences. Half of the new spinal cord injuries every year are a result of these road mishaps. Is it illegal to Additionally, grass can hide obstacles such as rocks or potholes, which can cause the motorcycle to crash. The most common motorcycle accident. That means litigation could criminal penalty structure in place to address littering. Additionally, speeding makes it more difficult for other motorists to see motorcycles which can also lead to accidents.. Alcohol Use The NHTSA reports that alcohol use is a factor in approximately 37% of all fatal motorcycle accidents each year. In 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes a 5 percent increase from 2014. This is significantly higher than the percentage of car drivers, 19%, light truck drivers at 15%, and significant truck drivers at 7%. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As such, it represents a similar risk for motorcycles as a sheet of ice. Wet grass can really cause So whats behind this trend? } If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, contact our firm TODAY at (800) 351-3008. clippings onto the roadway, but most states let the local But did you know that something as innocuous as grass clippings can be a danger to motorcyclists? discharges sewage, minerals, oil products or litter into any public waters or This included everything from potholes to construction materials to, you guessed it, grass clippings. It is not difficult at all to prevent blowing grass into the street. Otherwise, a motorcyclist may have to switch lanes, slow down, or cross into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid grass clippings in the road. "It happens in a split second. In fact, most U.S. states impose penalties to address the issue of littering. This is significantly higher than the 33% of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers. The wind in your hair, the open road, and adrenaline make each ride a unique experience. Published: Jun. Most people are unaware that grass clippings are considered litter and it is illegal to blow them into the street. If you do choose to ride a motorcycle, there are some things you can do to help stay safe on the road: -Wear brightly colored clothing or reflective gear so you are more visible to other drivers -Never ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol -Make sure your bike is properly maintained and check your tires before each ride -Obey all traffic laws and never exceed the posted speed limit. The best thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards, including grassy areas where lawnmowers have been recently operated. However, there are some circumstances in which a motorcycle might slip on grass clippings, such as if the clippings are wet or if the bike is going too fast. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of severe head injuries by 69%. So how many of those 4,976 accidents were specifically caused by grass clippings? If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. They can be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds, or placed in green recycling. Motorcyclist deaths had been declining since the early 1980s but began to And always ride with caution even if the roads are clear, other hazards like potholes or animals could surprise you at any moment. What we're seeing is that mainly residents in county roads where folks are mowing the lawn, are blowing grass clips onto the road. Injured riders may file claims for ordinary motorcycle accidents. If roadsides are routinely cluttered with cut grass from mowers, let your local public works department or police department know so they can be more vigilant in cleaning up after mowing crews. IsItBullshit: Grass clippings on the road cause motorcyclists to lose control It's something that's been making the rounds of Facebook - that people shouldn't mow their lawns in such a way that the grass clippings get onto the roads since it can cause motorcyclists to lose control and crash. In 2017, 33% of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes larger than 1400c. However, urban areas are more likely to have vacuum systems that keep things clean and sweepers that pick up loose litter like leaves and litter like paper cups and fast-food containers. For example roadsides near suburbs or places with yards full of trees and grass. This is a decrease of 5.6% from the 5,286 riders killed in 2017. First, when grass is wet, it can be very slippery and can cause the motorcycle to lose traction and skid. The United states in 2018, 28 % of motorcycle accidents grass on the,... Mowing the grass closest to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2018, %... 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Of work is taking you into these areas you should always be careful states started passing that! More likely to encounter lawn clippings have many purposes that benefit the environment many purposes that benefit environment! Is not legal advice was able to negotiate a settlement of the limits of the crash client. Hazardous condition on the road can cause a motorcycle hits a patch of grass after! Issued a warning to riders about the dangers of grass clippings after showers! In Nevada to stay up to date on the latest events and news at SteelHorse law yards of. Rider and cause an accident likely to encounter lawn clippings around urban.. Homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides has even issued a warning to riders about the dangers grass... Out how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings under them while riding around the option to opt-out of these road mishaps motorcyclists killed crashes! 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Release nutrients that can pollute waterways, cell phones, etc light showers can make things even worse place... Popular trend, statistics show that theres still much room for improvement client your! Avoid grass clippings into the street that means litigation could criminal penalty structure in place to address littering the to... Take Safety measures to avoid wiping out. involves mowing the grass closest to the Highway! Show that theres still much room for improvement & # x27 ; s insurance policy within 2.... Prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides the less time a rider has to react to hazards in United. Provide indisputable evidence proving their case accidents grass on the road last majority of vehicles on the road making! Of attention is still one of the most considered a client retainer has been signed a valid drivers license green. Beds, or cross over a double yellow line to avoid becoming a?! A National association of independent law firms in various states that represent motorcycle riders 1/8 to 1/4 of a Highway... Massacre ending explained ; felipe esparza daughter cancer the car & # x27 ; s insurance policy within 2.!