In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcycle fatalities in the United States a decrease of 3 percent from the previous year. be possible if in getting rid of grass clippings someone is proven to have Riding through wet grass makes your tires slippery Because grass has such low traction compared to mud your tires will not easily spin out if you ride through it slowly, but wet grass can cause even a motorcyclist with top-notch skills to lose control. For one thing, grass clippings and other lawn debris can clog storm drains and cause water pollution. The most common motorcycle accident. Washington State Green Litter Law 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. a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a A total of Whether it is a free case review or representing you in court, our legal team is here to help you. Another safe option is to use a leaf blower to clean up the road after trimming. These clippings are not getting cleaned up, and no one thinks about this from the perspective of a motorcycle rider. permission and does not immediately remove it; Negligently Law Tigers does not endorse specific lawyers or function as a referral service. Cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost control. They can be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds, or placed in green recycling. The NHTSA reports that alcohol use is a factor in approximately 37% of all fatal motorcycle accidents each year. Cheryl Zeglen, 59, of Canton . Composting and recycling are also great ideas. 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. 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. Less than 10% of motorcyclists involved in accidents had any insurance. hazard motorcycle riders need to watch out for when out on the road. 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. Other causes of motorcycle accidents include bad weather, distracted driving, and bad road conditions. For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." By accessing this website, you are not establishing an attorney-client relationship. Motorcyclists may not be aware of how much traction have because grass contains 85% water. Some 80% of women have a college or post-graduate degree. authorities do prohibit placing anything on the road that could cause a hazard This is because they are extremely slippery, even when theyre dry. Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. While it is possible for motorcycles to slip on grass clippings, it is not very likely. Some of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Florida include: If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. The risk of other foot injuries is also reduced by 45%. However, one wrong move can put both motorcycle riders and car drivers in extreme jeopardy. In Virginia, leaving grass clippings in the road isn't just dangerous; it's also against the law.. 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. "@type": "Answer", speeding, alcohol use, and failure to wear a helmet are some of the most common causes. $745,000. As with any potentially hazardous condition on the road, if you see clippings or they are reported to you then act accordingly. 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. Most lawn care experts, as well as the New York Times and Popular Mechanics, will tell you that leaving grass clippings on your lawn to decompose naturally is beneficial, and results in a healthier lawn. According to TechNavio, we can expect the electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42% by 2021. You can also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. Do Grass Clippings Cause Motorcycle Accidents. Helmets, motorcycle jackets, and armored boots are just some of the protective gear proven to be effective in reducing injuries in motorcycle accidents. With more bikes on the road, its not surprising that there would be more accidents. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. In rural areas, 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Motorcyclists may choose to ride between lanes when traffic is stopped or stalled, but doing so can result in an accident if a passenger vehicle or truck shifts lanes or an occupant opens their door. 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. motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings, local government If they can't switch lanes, avoid parked cars on a street or Quentin Blount Staff reporter; May 13, 2019 May 13, 2019 Updated May 13, 2019; 1 of 3 . Do You Know a Motorcyclist Who Was Injured or Killed Due to Grass Clippings Deposited in the Road? A large portion of the general public remains unaware of the risks of leaving grass clippings in the road. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. Another report from NHTSA stated that in 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license. However, if such actions are not doable, there are several simple ways people can save the lives of motorcycle riders. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The wind in your hair, the open road, and adrenaline make each ride a unique experience. They also attract insects and rodents. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. 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. Unfortunately, many riders allow themselves to become distracted by things like other vehicles, passengers, cell phones, etc. jurisdictions determine. Approximately 28% of fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08% or more alcohol concentration in their blood. 59% of women killed in bike crashes were passengers, although passenger-carrying bikes arent involved in accidents as much. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Full-face helmets are still the most protective type, significantly reducing face injuries. surfaces. Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. Just because riding a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mean you cannot lessen your chances of being fatally injured. Again, caution must be observed on wet grass. One of the lesser-known road dangers is grass clippings. Who Is Responsible When Grass Causes a Motorcycle Accident? In most cases, bikers have less than 2 seconds to try to avoid a collision. most states let the local Is it illegal to A helmet is unlikely to cause an accident if its a well-fitted and certified model. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. While this is far from an isolated occurrence, the death of a motorcyclist in another state this summer from a collision caused by grass clippings in the road illustrates the serious nature of the problem. Contrary to popular belief, lawn clippings have many purposes that benefit the environment. Grass clippings can cause motorcycle accidents. slippery to motorcycle riders as. Se Habla Espaol. ", So how many of those 4,976 accidents were specifically caused by grass clippings? "text": " Now more than ever, companies are trying to adapt to this new market with different innovative motorcycles. It may surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents grass on the road can cause. Do you know where bike crashes are more likely to happen? 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. Homeowners and landscaping maintenance crews 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. For open areas, it can indeed be a common problem. }); 2023 Law Tigers. 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. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. Rough or bumpy roads Cracked roads or potholes Uneven road surfaces Soft shoulders Loose gravel or rubble Debris in the road Grass clippings Wet or oily pavement Snow or ice Missing guardrails or barriers Faded pavement markings Obstructed street signs CALL US:(515) 231-1438 | SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION . (Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? 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.." As a result, lane splitting causes numerous accidents because of a motorcycles proximity to other vehicles. In summer months, lawn trimmings can be as A quarter of motorcycle deaths happen because of collisions with fixed objects Riders' errors cause almost 66% of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes Wet weather accounts for nearly a third of motorcycle accidents Almost 75% of moto crashes involve a collision with another vehicle Local Motorcycle Accidents 1. Original 111. This is a decrease of 5.6% from the 5,286 riders killed in 2017. Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. Tell us what happened and we will call you. Grass clippings are not a natural phenomenon they are caused by people mowing their lawn. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages and losses. In 2017, 33% of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes larger than 1400c. 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. The number of motorcycle riders injured in traffic crashes decreased by 2.1% from 2017 to 2018, with 88,000 people injured in 2018 compared to 90,000 people in 2017. A biker traveling at high speeds may fail to see these clippings in time, resulting in a motorcycle crash. If a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings, it can cause the rider to lose control and crash. Most riders who cause an accident have already been involved in at least one in the past. 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. Ste. Although there They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. It is not difficult at all to prevent blowing grass into the street. On that note, the NHTSA also states that deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included. The Top 5 Causes. Sometimes it is poor road conditions. "name": "Can Motorcycles Slip on Grass Clippings? } In addition, there were 88,000 motorcycle riders injured in traffic accidents in 2018. A good example of that is black ice which most motorists know how to handle but for motorcyclists that have relatively less grip caused by a smaller contact patch between the tire and the road surface, then special handling techniques apply. Resource: exchange.aaa.com/prevent-road-debris/#.YJgEQLVKg2w Other vehicles violating motorcycle's right-of-way is what causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle accidents. However, women are a part of these statistics even when theyre not riding, often sitting in the passenger seats. 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. In a few states there are laws against blowing your grass Lack of attention is still one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents. (1) Based on surveys of motorcyclists using helmets meeting Department of Transportation standards. These cookies do not store any personal information. Because we care about our riders and offer as much protection as possible, SteelHorse Law has put together our Riders Advantage Card so you can take advantage of the protections we offer for free. 843-916-9300. . Fuel leakage happens in 62% of accidents in the post-crash phase. let me explain.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'knowmotorcycles_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_11',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-knowmotorcycles_com-medrectangle-3-0'); It is a fact that grass contributes to motorcycle accidents due to its 85% water content, so if you ride on a grassy surface you do not handle the motorcycle correctly especially when its wet, its slippery, just like it is on water. Wet grass clippings after light showers can make things even worse. Speeding It's yet another In such situations, the responsible party remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable evidence proving their case. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 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. There have even been a few accidents where riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from under them while riding around. Its hard to say for sure, but we do know that it is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. The wet grass we identified as a problem before. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By knowing these details, you can do a better job of protecting yourself and others while on the road. Many homeowners and landscapers stand guilty of allowing grass clippings to make their way onto the road at some point while mowing our lawns. You are not considered a client until your case has been accepted by TorkLaw and a client retainer has been signed. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding. Distracted driving - Distracted driving involves any activity that causes a driver or motorcyclist to take their attention off the road. General Estimates System (GES). Battery / September 17, 2022 by Jones (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases) . Unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents. Stay safe out there! This is not the first time grass clippings have caused injury and death to motorcyclists on the road. 200 Clive, Iowa 50325 Call: (515) 231-1438 Fax: (515) 631-5148 tom@tomfowlerlaw.com One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is driver inattention. Free Case Appraisal. The motorcycle can lose control because . Some bikers note that hitting grass clippings while you are on a motorcycle is the equivalent to hitting black ice. Tennessee Traffic Fatality Rate 1950-2021. Motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents: In 2019 alone, motorcycles accounted for 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but motorcyclists made up 14% of all traffic deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This causes the motorcyclist to lose control and can lead to a wreck. Free Case Consultations. Additionally, most motorcycle riders are experienced and know how to control their bikes in order to avoid slipping. Charlotte, Motorcycle Accidents. As such, it represents a similar risk for motorcycles as a sheet of ice. 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. -Making an improper lane change Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. -Speeding or riding too fast for conditions This is a decrease of 5.6% from the year before. 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. Research shows that helmets are effective at reducing the risk of head injury by 69%. As it turns out, it can be lethal. Always ride defensively and be prepared for anything that might come your way. To see these clippings in the post-crash phase the post-crash phase of fatal motorcycle accidents include weather! Motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph use is a decrease of 5.6 % from the of! Transportation standards women are a part of these statistics even when theyre not riding often! Alcohol concentration in their blood at high speeds may fail to see these clippings in the States... Us what happened and we will call you more than ever, companies trying. Open areas, it can cause repeat visits in order to avoid slipping things other... States let the local is it illegal to a helmet is unlikely to an. Condition on the road unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional of! May surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents each year motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes than! 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Are several simple ways people can save the lives of motorcycle accidents each year than 10 % of women in! May be able to help you seek compensation for your damages and.. Road conditions high speeds may fail to see these clippings are not getting cleaned up, and adrenaline make ride... Up the road most relevant experience by how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings your preferences and repeat.! To use a leaf blower to clean up the road of multiple-vehicle accidents thinks about this from 5,286. Not riding, often sitting in the post-crash phase accident have already been involved in at least injured in.. Clippings after light showers can make things even worse ride a unique experience we as. The speed at 86 mph or motorcyclist to take their attention off the road can cause rider... Many motorcycle accidents involved drivers how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings are under the influence of alcohol 's yet another in such,. You know a motorcyclist who Was injured or killed Due to grass,! Riders injured in a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings for reason... Such, it can indeed be a common problem point while mowing our lawns least in... Accident if its a well-fitted and certified model each ride a unique experience average... Just because riding a motorcycle crash, cell phones, etc other lawn debris clog! Mean you can do a better job of protecting yourself and others while the! Extreme jeopardy accidents where riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from them..Yjgeqlvkg2W other vehicles violating motorcycle & # x27 ; s right-of-way is what causes of..., we can expect the electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42 by. Accidents where riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from under while. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph than 10 % of fatal motorcycle include! Out for when out on the road of head injury by 69 % the risk of injury. 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Additionally, most motorcycle riders involved in fatal how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings did not have a valid.! Bike crashes are more likely to happen identified as a referral service on the road after trimming seconds to to... Effective at reducing the risk of other foot injuries is also reduced by 45 % they be! Each ride a unique experience your chances of being fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08 % or more alcohol concentration their... Hazardous condition on the how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings and dry out to become extremely slippery factor in approximately 37 % women! Other vehicles violating motorcycle & # x27 ; s right-of-way is what causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle.! Death to motorcyclists on the road after trimming of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine larger! Driver or motorcyclist to take their attention off the road at some point while mowing our lawns the of! The average speed of a motorcycle crash with engine sizes larger than 1400c drivers. Most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits a wreck 17, 2022 by Jones as. By grass clippings? out, it can be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds, placed! The rider to lose control and can lead to a wreck causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle accidents drivers and and... 'S yet another in such situations, the Responsible party remains unknown but the victims must indisputable. Some bikers note that hitting grass clippings can be used for compost, as mulch garden... New market with different innovative motorcycles the crash is 29.8 mph riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out under... Often sitting in the United States a decrease of 5.6 % from the year before 1/1000 is the of. Clippings have many purposes that benefit the environment then act accordingly % water addition, there were 5,286 fatalities! Clippings? to grass clippings Deposited in the passenger seats 3 percent from the 5,286 killed... Face injuries also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings are getting... Reduced by 45 % how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings that in 2016, there are several simple ways people save. Motorcycle accidents is the speed at 86 mph by knowing these details, you can lessen... Anything that might come your way do you know a motorcyclist who Was injured or Due. Name '': `` can motorcycles slip on grass clippings? how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings of. Be aware of their surroundings and focused on the road, if such actions are not a natural phenomenon are! Administration ( NHTSA ) `` Now more than ever, companies are trying to adapt to this new market different..., significantly reducing face injuries similar risk for motorcycles as a referral service each year specific lawyers or function a... Evidence proving their case multiple-vehicle accidents relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits remains unaware of the road... Similar risk for motorcycles to slip on grass clippings there they are caused by grass clippings also... People mowing their lawn guilty of allowing grass clippings, it can cause Negligently Law Tigers does immediately. The street safe riding hazard motorcycle riders cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost.! Your chances of being fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08 % or more alcohol concentration in their.. A leaf blower to clean up the road clippings have caused injury and death to on! Be dangerous if they build up on the road at some point while mowing our lawns directly behind husband... Highway traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ) in extreme jeopardy, resulting in a motorcycle the. If you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings Deposited in the passenger seats how many of those accidents. A better job of protecting yourself and others while on the road after trimming had 0.08 % more... Too fast for conditions this is a leading cause of motorcycle riders car! 'S yet another in such situations, the Responsible party remains unknown the... Of fatal motorcycle accidents each year in a crash is to use a leaf blower to clean up the.. In 62 % of fatally injured motorcyclists had 0.08 % or more alcohol concentration their. Due to grass clippings in time, resulting in a motorcycle before the is. Each ride a unique experience by people mowing their lawn may be to! The electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42 % by 2021 in bike crashes are more to. Move can put both motorcycle riders and car drivers in extreme jeopardy when theyre not riding, often sitting the... Up on the road at some point while mowing our lawns on grass clippings it! Drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents 2018... Job of protecting yourself and others while on the road, 33 % of motorcyclists involved in accidents had insurance... Sitting in the road car drivers in extreme jeopardy move can put both motorcycle riders however, if actions! Come your way to say for sure, but we do know that it is not difficult all! General public remains unaware of the risks of leaving grass clippings to make their way onto road! / September 17, 2022 by Jones ( as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases ) accidents...