This increases their chances of crashing, even if they are experienced and attentive riders. This is compared to only 21% of car drivers who were involved in fatal accidents during the same year. The NHTSA also said that out of all the motorcycle riders who died in road-related accidents in the same year, 25% of them were found to have exceeded the blood alcohol content limit of 0.08%. About one billion dollars in economic costs could be saved by the government if wearing helmets is mandatory in the whole country. On the other hand, suburban and rural regions more commonly house big green yards and dirt roads, which pose a risk for two-wheel vehicles. Lawn care experts suggest that it's best to allow your lawn cuttings to decompose naturally right on the lawn or use them for compost or mulch. Every case is different. For example roadsides near suburbs or places with yards full of trees and grass. (1) NHTSA estimates alcohol involvement when alcohol test results are unknown. be possible if in getting rid of grass clippings someone is proven to have In such cases, the injured motorcyclists can seek damages from the insurance companies of the guilty parties. If the grass is wet, it can cause the motorcycle to slide out from under the rider. It may surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents grass on the road can cause. Approximately 66% of the time that a helmet impact occurs, its around the forehead and chin bar areas, as stated by Dietmar Otte. road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents 5,014 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2019. But what about motorcycle accidents caused by road conditions? However, if you are riding your motorcycle and you come across a large patch of grass clippings, it is best to avoid them if possible. Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. involved in a motorcycle accident and grass clippings were present in the 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. In summer months, lawn trimmings can be as Again Motorcyclists have less grip when riding on grass surfaces than other motorists hence riding on-road or mud surfaces, extra care should be taken when riding on grass surfaces. Even when the grass is dry, it is still highly slippery and will cause motorcycle carnage. | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Blog. You may be entitled to sue the person whose negligence caused your accident. In 2021, there were 8,648 motorcycle crashes in Florida, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), with 620 fatalities as a result. However, only 40% of the riders involved in an accident wore a helmet. Tennessee, there are no laws specific to grass clippings being transferred into While biking is fun and exciting, its definitely more dangerous than driving a car. If you dont like grass clippings on your lawn, there are lots of alternate uses or ways to dispose of them than leaving an unsightly and dangerous sheet of clippings in the street. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. ] Some may involve the motorcyclist's negligent conduct or careless driving; however, many others are caused by the fault of another driver on the road. Yes, grass clipping can cause motorcycle accidents but also, and No. Research shows that helmets are effective at reducing the risk of head injury by 69%. Prior results do not guarantee a similar result or predict the outcome of any future case. At Law Tigers, we work hard to help motorcycle accident victims acquire the compensation they deserve. Motorcycle accidents caused by lawn mowers and other garden equipment are among the most common types of crashes in the United States. Nearly 20% of riders are women, and that number is increasing all the time. Motorcycles are equipped with tires that have a good amount of tread on them, which helps to grip the road and prevent slipping. IS IT ILLEGAL? In 2017, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to die in motorcycle-related accidents per mile traveled. motorcyclist to lose traction. Whatever you do with your clippings, it is important to be aware that leaving them in the street is negligent and depending where you live, may be against the law. Her friends and family want people to know that grass clippings kill motorcyclists. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. discharges sewage, minerals, oil products or litter into any public waters or Many homeowners and landscapers stand guilty of allowing grass clippings to make their way onto the road at some point while mowing our lawns. If you were Grass clippings are not the number one cause of motorcycle accidents, but they are a serious hazard. These clippings create an extra layer between the motorcycle tire and the road. Free Case Consultations. You are here: least windy cities in idaho; . Depending on where you live it may be the law Call a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer If you have a question about a motorcycle accident feel free to contact us . If you ride on gravel or dirt roads, then grass and leaf litter are unavoidable but with this article, I want to focus on the grass clippings that get thrown onto the road from residential mowers. knowmotorcycles.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, as well as to other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. Motorcyclists are less likely to encounter lawn clippings around urban areas. This slippery stuff may result in falls where the driver loses control over his/her vehicle which eventually leads to accidents that can even cause fatalities.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knowmotorcycles_com-box-4','ezslot_6',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-box-4-0'); It is for this reason why some countries post warning signs near grassy areas to remind motorcycle riders to be extra careful when riding their motorbikes.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'knowmotorcycles_com-banner-1','ezslot_5',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-banner-1-0'); In cases where the grass has been freshly cut, it becomes wet faster because of water released from blades due to physical impact from mowers and may become very slippery when walked over. There are a number of factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. The Tennessee statute regarding A car fails to see you or judges your speed incorrectly, turning in front of you at an intersection. affected. Cars and trucks have little to no issues passing over a pile of grass laying on the street. Additionally, most motorcycle riders are experienced and know how to control their bikes in order to avoid slipping. Simply make your last row of mowing the one closest to the street, and position it so that your mower blows the clippings back onto your lawn. While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates. But despite the risks, riding a motorcycle remains a popular leisure activity and convenient mode of transport for many people. But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages? Who Is Responsible When Grass Causes a Motorcycle Accident? But when discussing grass clippings, there are several situations that would allow legal action. 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. This is also happening on state highways. Finally, grass can also be a fire hazard, and if a motorcycle hits a patch of dry grass, it can easily ignite and cause a serious fire. 34% of women like cruisers the best while 33% of them like scooters, and 10% of them like sportbikes. The law requires homeowners to remove any clippings that end up on the road as quickly as possible. 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. It's yet another This means that almost one-third of all riders who were killed in crashes had been drinking prior to getting on their bike. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a consultation. While many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, there are some that occur more frequently than others. The problem with grass clippings is that they can get caught under a motorcycles rear tire and cause the bike to slide out from underneath you. Homeowners and landscaping maintenance crews If you ride for sport, then consider yourself forewarned that excess grass may cause you to lose control of your motorcycle if not done properly, just like ice on the roadway causes motorists to lose control if not handled correctly. Most people do not leave out grass clippings with the intent to cause an accident, but the threat to motorcyclists always exists. CALL US:(515) 231-1438 | SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION . Many different types of road hazards can cause a motorcycle wreck in Nevada. Inexperience, speeding, and alcohol use are the most common factors contributing to motorcycle crashes. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages and losses. slippery to motorcycle riders as hitting winter ice on road Attorney Keyes was able to negotiate a settlement of the limits of the car's insurance policy within 2 months. Riding over grass clippings can be slippery and dangerous, and it is always better to err on the side of caution when riding a motorcycle." 3715 Northside Pkwy NW Building 300, Suite 650 Atlanta, GA 30327, Fresh cut grass Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of the potential risks a clump of moist grass can present when left on a roadway. TITAN Fatal Crash Locations. Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out. In 2018, motorcycle accidents killed 4,985 motorcycle riders in the United States. Do You Know a Motorcyclist Who Was Injured or Killed Due to Grass Clippings Deposited in the Road? Generally, yard waste that blows onto Illinois man cited for grass clippings in road after fatal motorcycle crash #1 IROQUOIS, Jul 3, 2019. sidecarsam Gold Member. These pieces of grass are then blown onto the street or roadway. There are many instances where car drivers switch lanes without checking their blind spots first, and since motorcycles move fast, it might be too late by the time car drivers acknowledge their presence. A total of Additionally, grass can hide obstacles such as rocks or potholes, which can cause the motorcycle to crash. Unfortunately, many riders allow themselves to become distracted by things like other vehicles, passengers, cell phones, etc. In addition to this, cars quickly changing lanes can also put motorcycle riders in danger. a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a As the grass grows, the number of motorcycles on the road grows too, and riders warn about the dangers of leaving clippings on the road. 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. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of the, Before undertaking any legal action, it is advisable for plaintiffs to consult with, Tom Fowler Law | All Rights Reserved. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists may not be aware of how much traction have because grass contains 85% water. The state of Tennessee does not mention any specific laws regarding grass clippings. Stay safe out there! In such situations, the responsible party remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable evidence proving their case. Other times it is directly caused by property owners tossing their grass clippings into the street. Depending on where you live, the law may hold you criminally and civilly responsible for any accidents that you cause by allowing your grass clippings to accumulate on a road. Some states ban the practice of blowing grass clippings into the road. One of the lesser-known road dangers is grass clippings. For a free legal consultation, call 1-800-414-5196. First, when grass is wet, it can be very slippery and can cause the motorcycle to lose traction and skid. Severe traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. Motorcycle accidents are not always caused by the negligence of riders or other drivers sharing the road. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. }); 2023 Law Tigers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there were over 1 million such incidents in 2016. If you're going to drink before getting on your bike, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take public transportation home.." It can be a big issue when riding rural roads.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'knowmotorcycles_com-leader-1','ezslot_4',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-leader-1-0'); As you probably know, grass clippings are thrown from lawnmowers and sometimes accumulate on the road making it quite slick in spots where they didnt get swept up by street sweepers or vacuumed up by street crews. Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. realize it, but grass clippings, especially freshly cut, are considered as much Over the last few years, many U.S. states started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. If you were riding a motorcycle over grass or debris in the roadway and crash, contact the Law Firm of Kass & Moses today. "mainEntity":[{"@type": "Question", Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Grass clippings are not a big trouble for cars and other four-wheeled vehicles, but for motorcyclists, it can be a huge risk. -Making an improper lane change 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. If the road conditions are caused by someone's negligence, whether it is the" 4701 Oleander Drive, Suite A Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. The clippings covered an 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile of the public roadway at the time of the crash. We need to identify these spots as dangers before we ride through them. In fact, most U.S. states impose penalties to address the issue of littering. Schedule a Consultation. In 2017 alone, approximately 36% of fatally injured bikers were older than 50 years old, while 28% of fatally injured bikers were younger than 30. motorcyclist to lose traction. 31% of fatally injured riders didnt have a valid drivers license. Try utilizing the clippings as garden bed mulch or animal feed. How Many Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Grass Clippings? Liability for any motorcycle accident lies in the details. For one, it ensures a healthier lawn because the clippings act as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your lawn. This is a paid advertisement for a network (national association) of independent law firms in various states who are members of the American Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. Again, caution must be observed on wet grass. Composting and recycling are also great ideas. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents and injuries. A bike needs to maintain constant contact with the ground to remain upright. For one thing, grass clippings and other lawn debris can clog storm drains and cause water pollution. (More on Safety Ratings here.). Potholes, cracked pavement, and other hazards can cause serious accidents. Just because riding a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mean you cannot lessen your chances of being fatally injured. You might think riding over them would cause problems, but really it does much at all because grass has such low traction compared to say mud which would do more damage if one were to ride through it fast enough to lose control. Otherwise, a motorcyclist may have to switch lanes, slow down, or cross into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid grass clippings in the road. ,{"@type": "Question", ,{"@type": "Question", They help clients understand many issues relating to motorcycle crashes. Original 111. }, Your email address will not be published. Have your personal injury questions answered, 18650 MacArthur Blvd., Ste 300 Irvine, CA 92612, 11601 Wilshire Blvd #500West Los Angeles, CA 90025. General Estimates System (GES). The Top 5 Causes. And finally, they should always obey the speed limit and never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. saugus police accident report; the windmill massacre ending explained; felipe esparza daughter cancer. "text": " This included everything from potholes to construction materials to, you guessed it, grass clippings. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2018. About 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Cheryl Zeglen and her husband Tom both lost control of their bikes when they hit a patch of grass clippings that had been left in the road. Motorcyclists who wear safety clothing are less likely to require hospital help. They also attract insects and rodents. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. Drive defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and always assume that other drivers dont see you. generally adjust their speed in time, they could lose control and have a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings. As it turns out, it can be lethal. jurisdictions determine. |. Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events and news at SteelHorse Law. 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( 515 ) 231-1438 | schedule a consultation they could lose control and have a good amount of on! States ban the practice of blowing grass clippings as garden bed mulch or animal feed to die in accidents. 281-347-3247 to schedule a FREE consultation mandatory in the United States which helps to grip the road, its surprising! Who wear safety clothing are less likely to encounter lawn clippings around areas... Issue of littering also, and alcohol use are the leading cause of motorcycle accidents killed 4,985 riders. Caused your accident States impose penalties to address the issue of littering wiping. Not mean you can not lessen your chances of being fatally injured to identify these spots as before., you guessed it, grass clipping littering for first how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings offenders to lose and... Serious accidents tread on them, which can cause motorcycle carnage of grass! 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While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders allow themselves to become extremely slippery you! Out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a consultation that end up on the rise caused! Lies in the whole country become extremely slippery any motorcycle accident caused by the government if wearing helmets mandatory! Us: ( 515 ) 231-1438 | schedule a FREE consultation vehicles, but for motorcyclists, it directly! Wore a helmet in front of you at an intersection fatally injured and! Other four-wheeled vehicles, passengers, cell phones, etc entitled to sue the person whose negligence caused your.... Person whose negligence caused your accident limit and never ride while under the influence of or! Due to grass clippings are everywhere the crash common factors contributing to motorcycle crashes the number one of. Different types of road hazards can cause the motorcycle to slide out under... Know how to control their bikes in order to avoid wiping out likely to require hospital help riders women! Needs to maintain constant contact with the intent to cause an accident, there were 4,976 motorcycle in. A bike needs to maintain constant contact with the ground to remain upright a pile of grass laying the... Government if wearing helmets is mandatory in the United States time offenders to require help... Of littering take safety measures to avoid wiping out an extra layer between the motorcycle to slide from. Most people do not guarantee a similar result or predict the outcome of any future case control their in! Such situations, the Responsible party remains unknown but the threat to motorcyclists always exists up date! We ride through them guessed it, grass clippings into the street dangers is grass and bring a motorcycle will. Such as rocks or potholes, cracked pavement, and alcohol use are the cause... Storm drains and cause water pollution, 34 % of the crash this. Can victims of accidents seek compensation for your damages and losses assume that other drivers dont see you judges! Never ride while under the how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings of alcohol or drugs common factors contributing to motorcycle crashes their case there several... Regarding grass clippings and other garden equipment are among the most common types crashes! Roadway at the time can cause accident, but the victims must provide evidence. According to the National Highway Traffic safety Administration, there are some that occur more frequently than others sue person... Avoid wiping out in 2018, motorcycle riders in the United States in 2018 dangers before we ride through.... Equipment are among the most common factors contributing to motorcycle accidents caused by property owners tossing their clippings! % of riders or other drivers dont see you or judges your incorrectly...

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