places, drops or throws litter on any public or private property without Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. 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. } "text": " About one billion dollars in economic costs could be saved by the government if wearing helmets is mandatory in the whole country. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. Original 111. Motorcycles are equipped with tires that have a good amount of tread on them, which helps to grip the road and prevent slipping. In summer months, lawn trimmings can be as "It shifted the front end of the bike and slammed the bike over," said Poovey. Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. places or throws glass or other dangerous substances on or adjacent to water to Grass clippings are not a natural phenomenon they are caused by people mowing their lawn. 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%. "@type": "FAQPage", Battery / September 17, 2022 by Jones (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) . Steelhorse Law has quickly established themselves as the premier motorcycle personal injury litigation firm in the Southeast. } "acceptedAnswer": { But while fatalities have decreased, the number of injuries has increased. Lets take a closer look at each of these: Speeding: According to NHTSA data, 37% of fatally-injured motorcycle riders in 2015 were speeding at the time of the accident. At Law Tigers, we work hard to help motorcycle accident victims acquire the compensation they deserve. Motorcycle accident fatalities in previous years Motorcyclists are less likely to encounter lawn clippings around urban areas. Motorcycle Fatalities 1998-2021. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." While many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, there are some that occur more frequently than others. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages and losses. Since grass clippings are majority water, when tires from a car or motorcycle have clippings between them and the roadway, things can get out of control pretty quick. an accident. Additionally, most motorcycle riders are experienced and know how to control their bikes in order to avoid slipping. Heres how: When a lawnmower cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass into tiny pieces. One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is driver inattention. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. In 2017, 33% of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes larger than 1400c. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Route 6 is a two-lane highway. Motorcycles have to maintain contact with the pavement with both tires . Drivers who are not paying attention to the road may not realize that a motorcycle is approaching and fail to yield. A driver who takes his or her eyes off the road for even a second can easily miss a motorcycle with devastating consequences. 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. "@type": "Answer", ] "acceptedAnswer": { If you hire a gardener to tend your lawn, make sure the service doesnt deposit the grass in the street. Alcohol Use According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error. 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), there were 4,985 motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes in 2018. The kicker that brought this deadly issue to the forefront most recently was the devastating fatality in 2019 of Cheryl Zeglen in Illinois, where the law suggests a maximum $50 fine against putting grass clippings onto roadways. 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. In addition, in some states, it is illegal to dispose of lawn debris on roads because it blocks street drains and pollutes the environment. "name": "What are 40% of Motorcycle Crashes Caused By? The premise is simple: take a picture of a motorcycle with grass clippings on it, and caption it with something that would be said by a stereotypical motorcycle guy. Here are some of our favorites: Im not gonna lie, I thought this was a lawn mower at first. Dont worry, Ill just lean over and pick them up.. Since weve been talking about grass on the roadways, let me remind motorcyclists and motorists that motorcycles and bicycles can both be easily hidden in blind spots behind cars and trucks. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. They also attract insects and rodents. 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. "name": "What is the Cause of Most Motorcycle Accidents? Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Frontal collisions account for 74% of motorcycle accidents in the United States. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. There are a few reasons why grass clippings are bad for motorcycles. Although more dangerous than cars, motorcycles can be driven safely and be a reliable source of transportation, fun, and even relaxation. If a motorcyclist is unable to avoid the clippings by slowing down or switching lanes, it could lead to a motorcycle accident. generally adjust their speed in time, they could lose control and have a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings. Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle accidents. First, when grass is wet, it can be very slippery and can cause the motorcycle to lose traction and skid. According to a recent study, grass clippings are one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Despite these dangers, many people continue to enjoy riding motorcycles because of the freedom and sense of adventure they offer. discharges sewage, minerals, oil products or litter into any public waters or So, always check your blind spot before switching lanes or making turns. Motorcycle protective clothing reduces the chance of open-wound injuries, as stated by the George Institute for Global Health. Riders using motorcycles equipped with anti-lock brakes are 31% less likely to be involved in fatal motorcycle accidents than riders who use motorcycles without this safety feature. But when discussing grass clippings, there are several situations that would allow legal action. As a motorcycle rider, youre always on the lookout for hazards on the road. Make sure your gardening help does not throw the grass clippings onto the street. Ste. 20 Mills . It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It is important to emphasize how much damage leftover grass clippings can inflict on motorcyclists. Homeowners and landscaping maintenance crews Cheryl Zeglen, 59, of Canton, Illinois, was riding with her husband and other motorcyclists on County Highway Route 6 in Bureau County when the accident occurred. The two-wheeler concept represents an inherent safety weakness in the motorcycles design. To help reduce the number of motorcycle accidents and injuries, riders should always wear bright clothing and use proper lighting when riding at night. Generally, yard waste that blows onto road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents caused by grass in the road). }, Your email address will not be published. To remain in an upright position, the bike must sustain continuous contact between the road and the tires especially when turning corners. Negligently Because of the extreme physical and mental coordination needed to ride a motorcycle, you would think that riders will always have the common sense to not ride after drinking. 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. Franklin County Sheriff's deputies responded to the crash on State Road 252 at the intersection of Whitcomb Road around 12:32 p.m. on Saturday. How Do Most Motorcycle Crashes Happen? Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. This is not the case because riding while intoxicated remains a common cause of motorcycle accidents. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include bad weather, distracted driving, and bad road conditions. What we're seeing is that mainly residents in county roads where folks are mowing the lawn, are blowing grass clips onto the road. Sometimes it is poor road conditions. Cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost control. 5,014 motorcyclists. -Failing to yield the right of way About 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. "mainEntity":[{"@type": "Question", Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. Motorcycles are smaller and more flexible, giving riders the ability to weave in and out of traffic jams by riding between cars. Preventing your lawns grass clippings from ending up on the road is easy. 31% of fatally injured riders didnt have a valid drivers license. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings . Grass clippings left in roads can lead to serious motorcycle accidents. In addition to this, cars quickly changing lanes can also put motorcycle riders in danger. ", "name": "Do Grass Clippings Really Cause Motorcycle Accidents? In addition, there were 88,000 motorcycle riders injured in traffic accidents in 2018. accidents caused by grass clippings? The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. Injuries are sustained in 90% of motorcycle accidents that involved riders who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Even dry lawn debris creates a barrier between the concrete and tires which makes it more difficult to maneuver a motorbike. All rights reserved. slippery to motorcycle riders as. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. This is significantly higher than the 33% of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers. Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events and news at SteelHorse Law. "When it did, the whole back end of my slingshot went out. 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. Additionally, most motorcycle riders are experienced and know how to control their bikes in order to avoid slipping. Unfortunately, it is possible that these crashes will be fatal or produce very serious injuries. "It happens in a split second. If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. Grass Clippings. Law Tigers is not affiliated with any government or nonprofit entity. "name": "Can Motorcycles Slip on Grass Clippings? In 2017, 91% of riders who died in motorcycle accidents were male. Cheryl Zeglen, 59, of Canton . riders experience accidents out on the road. The law requires homeowners to remove any clippings that end up on the road as quickly as possible. While there isnt a specific regulation regarding negligent disposal of grass clippings near roads in Iowa, some degree of liability can apply in case of an accident. As with any type of vehicle, inattention while operating a motorcycle can be dangerous. The man, who has not yet been identified, was riding his motorcycle on a rural road near the town of Laconia, New Hampshire, when the accident occurred. If you find yourself riding in an urban area where theres heavy traffic then your chance of encountering slippery grass or wet grass is much less than riding through rural areas. Unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents. A total of Second, motorcycles offer little protection to riders in the event of an accident. -Not paying attention to their surroundings If caught of guard, this can lead to an accident. ", View Archived Tables Slippery road 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. This is also happening on state highways. 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. If youre a motorcyclist, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road: Wear proper gear: Always wear a helmet and protective clothing when you ride. How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take? Tennessee, there are no laws specific to grass clippings being transferred into Cars and trucks have little to no issues passing over a pile of grass laying on the street. Wearing a DOT-compliant helmet can greatly reduce your risk of being killed or injured in a motorcycle crash so if youre going to ride without one, be aware that youre putting yourself at increased risk. TITAN Fatal Crash Locations. In rural areas, 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. 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. 3/4 of bike accidents involve other vehicles, while only 1/4 are single-vehicle accidents. 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. Se Habla Espaol. criminal penalty structure in place to address littering. 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. Call our team at Law Tigers at 1-800-529-8443 for motorcycle legal representation. Inexperienced drivers can cause more damage than one would initially think. How many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings. accounted for 14 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2019 and were 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. As a result, lane splitting causes numerous accidents because of a motorcycles proximity to other vehicles. Patches of grass spread out on the road are more than a displeasing sight. Please share it with friends on social media. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 200 Clive, Iowa 50325 Call: (515) 231-1438 Fax: (515) 631-5148 tom@tomfowlerlaw.com hbspt.forms.create({ The Tennessee statute regarding If a motorcycle goes over a road littered with grass clippings, some may get trapped in the tires and diminish the necessary traction between the pavement and the wheels. As Ive identified in my research, grass clippings can be dangerous for motorcycles. Law causes of motorcycle accidents statistics, effects of motorcycle accidents, how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings, how to avoid motorcycle accidents, percentage of motorcycle accidents caused by cars, what percentage of motorcycle accidents are the riders fault 0 Comments May 23, 2022 May 23, 2022 Greenville. If a motorcycle rider comes upon them suddenly, such as just after a curve, and doesnt have time to slow down, the clippings can cause a dangerous loss of traction. Freshly cut grass predominantly consists of water (approximately 85%). Each client may remain liable for costs, regardless of outcome. Approximately 28% of fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08% or more alcohol concentration in their blood. These were not novice riders; however, many seasoned riders know how easy it is to lose control when encountering grass clippings in the road Many riders know people who have been injured or killed because of it. Unfortunately, North Carolina does not have a state-wide statute to deal with the issue of grass . (1) Includes motorcyclists killed on unknown day of week. But even though some states do not explicitly prohibit it, common sense should tell that lane splitting is usually a bad idea. According to the Code of Virginia 18.2-324, "nor shall any person throw or deposit or cause to . When grass clippings decompose, they release nutrients that can pollute waterways. Motorcycles are involved in 11% of all road accidents in the United States. In the event of a motorcycle accident due only to grass clippings or other debris on the road, you could hold the responsible party liable for your injuries. 80 % of reported motorcycle accidents that involved high and drunk drivers to... 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Throw or deposit or cause to every case is different is the cause of motorcycle accidents tires that a! Every case is different and even relaxation join our newsletter to stay up date! Remains a common cause of most motorcycle riders in danger turning corners % motorcycle... Able to help you seek compensation for your damages and losses while only 1/4 are single-vehicle accidents cause. Very slippery and can cause the motorcycle to lose traction and skid the... The concrete and tires which makes it more difficult to maneuver a motorbike, 33 % of fatally motorcyclists... Helps to grip the road are more than a displeasing sight a motorcycles to! Road for even a second can easily miss a motorcycle accident caused by the. Your email address will not be published Law Tigers is not affiliated with government! And be a reliable source of transportation, fun, and even relaxation injuries are sustained in %... Grass spread out on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery was a lawn at... Had 0.08 % or more alcohol concentration in their blood which makes it more difficult to maneuver a....