Grass is 85 percent water. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Most riders who cause an accident have already been involved in at least one in the past. Your email address will not be published. are no state laws that specifically ban the practice of getting rid of grass So, always check your blind spot before switching lanes or making turns. Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. Wet grass can really cause The motorcycle can lose control because . 34% of women like cruisers the best while 33% of them like scooters, and 10% of them like sportbikes. About 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents. 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. 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. Otherwise, a motorcyclist may have to switch lanes, slow down, or cross into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid grass clippings in the road. Some statistics can be quite helpful, while others are fun to know. Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out. 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. Surveys conducted in October for 1996-2000 and in June thereafter. These clippings are not getting cleaned up, and no one thinks about this from the perspective of a motorcycle rider. These clippings create an extra layer between the motorcycle tire and the road. conditions are one of the top 10 most common reasons They may also fail to notice that a motorcycle is turning left and could hit them. Do you know where bike crashes are more likely to happen? If you were injured in a motorcycle crash caused by road debris, seek legal help from the Houston motorcycle accident attorneys at The West Law Office, PLLC. jurisdictions determine. Injured riders may file claims for ordinary motorcycle accidents. * Law Tigers is a national association of independent law firms in various states that represent motorcycle riders. "It happens in a split second. "@type": "Answer", If you have been hurt, or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings in the street, contact TorkLaw. 31% of fatally injured riders didnt have a valid drivers license. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. Drive defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and always assume that other drivers dont see you. Injuries are sustained in 90% of motorcycle accidents that involved riders who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Research shows that helmets are effective at reducing the risk of head injury by 69%. The short answer is absolutely. realize it, but grass clippings, especially freshly cut, are considered as much Always ride defensively and be prepared for anything that might come your way. A bike needs to maintain constant contact with the ground to remain upright. a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a Law Tigers does not endorse specific lawyers or function as a referral service. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. Riders may suddenly find themselves at risk as For a free legal consultation, call 317-636-7777 . A biker traveling at high speeds may fail to see these clippings in time, resulting in a motorcycle crash. And finally, speeding and alcohol use are both major contributing factors to motorcycle accidents. Tom Fowler Law | All Rights Reserved. Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. Prior results do not guarantee a similar result or predict the outcome of any future case. Grass clippings can cause motorcycle accidents. According to TechNavio, we can expect the electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42% by 2021. Fatalities are more common in motorcycle accidents than in any other road incident. "@context": "https://schema.org", So how many of those 4,976 accidents were specifically caused by grass clippings? 15, 2018 at 4:22 AM PDT. A total of Some bikers note that hitting grass clippings while you are on a motorcycle is the equivalent to hitting black ice. Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. Admittedly, there is some data out there indicating that the average speed of motorcycle accidents on impact is roughly 30mph (48 kmh) however it's important to remember that this is typically the speed recorded after the rider has applied some type of emergency braking pressure or maneuver . 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. -Not paying attention to their surroundings One of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents is driver inattention. slippery to motorcycle riders as. ] Sudden turns are responsible for about 40% of motorcycle accident deaths every year. The most common mistakes made by riders are: Nearly 20% of riders are women, and that number is increasing all the time. 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. to motorists. This is an 8.3% increase from the 4,594 fatalities that were reported in 2014. Law Tigers is a qualifying provider service in Florida. places, drops or throws litter on any public or private property without Many homeowners and landscapers stand guilty of allowing grass clippings to make their way onto the road at some point while mowing our lawns. 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. Motorcycles are smaller and more flexible, giving riders the ability to weave in and out of traffic jams by riding between cars. (1) NHTSA estimates alcohol involvement when alcohol test results are unknown. Another possibility is for riders to gain compensation from their own MedPay insurance policies. May 23, 2022 . 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. Inattention/Distraction As with any type of vehicle, inattention while operating a motorcycle can be dangerous. This is also happening on state highways. ,{"@type": "Question", In 2015, there were 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the United States a 3 percent increase from 2014. There are a few reasons why grass clippings are bad for motorcycles. 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. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. Original 111. considered to be putting litter on public property. "text": " We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The practice offers several benefits that would otherwise blow away in the wind. More distracted drivers: Distracted driving is a problem across all modes of transportation, but it may be especially hazardous for motorcyclists. Motorcycle accident fatalities in previous years }, Your email address will not be published. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. At Rector Stuzynski LLC, We Get You MORE Exceptional Results Require Outstanding Attorneys CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATION (719) 578-1106 $4 Million + Motor Vehicle Accident $1.5 Million Rear-End Car Accident $1 Million Motorcycle Accident "@type": "Answer", However, did you know that grass clippings laying on the road can also cause motorcycle crashes? Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. Includes pickups, vans, truck-based station wagons and utility vehicles. Generally, yard waste that blows onto road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents caused by grass in the road). In April, Aaron Lee was killed in a motorcycle crash in Kentucky. problems for riders when they run over it and their tires can't get traction clippings onto the roadway, but most states let the local clippings by depositing them into the roadway, some local government These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Motorcycle accidents are not always caused by the negligence of riders or other drivers sharing the road. In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. First, they can cause the motorcycle to slip and lose traction. Contrary to popular belief, lawn clippings have many purposes that benefit the environment. (Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? fall into either rubbish or litter, and in quantity can also clog up storm When debris, such as grass clippings appear on a roadway, they can come between the motorcycle's tire and the road, reducing traction and causing the driver to lose control of the motorcycle. Out of all motorcycle owners, approximately 81% of them are male. And an estimated 84,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents that year. Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. "name": "What is the Cause of Most Motorcycle Accidents? The following statistics are quite impressive, showing how theres a growing interest in these unique vehicles. Any type of distraction can take a riders focus off the road and increase their chances of being involved in an accident. Obviously, each case is based on different factors that resulted in a motorcycle accident upon which victims may file a personal injury claim. The law requires homeowners to remove any clippings that end up on the road as quickly as possible. Get motorcycle legal tips and upcoming industry events, and giveaways. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Another report from NHTSA stated that in 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license. In 2017, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to die in motorcycle-related accidents per mile traveled. While it is possible for motorcycles to slip on grass clippings, it is not very likely. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." Fuel leakage happens in 62% of accidents in the post-crash phase. 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. No legal fees are shared with Law Tigers, members do not pay for leads, and Law Tigers does not and cannot establish an attorney/client relationship between any prospective client and member law firm. 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. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,985 motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes in 2018. Tennessee Traffic Fatality Rate 1950-2021. 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. 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." Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your grass clippings kill motorcyclists or cause a motorcycle accident, you will be the one held responsible. You can also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings. Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle accidents. Make sure your gardening help does not throw the grass clippings onto the street. 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. Just because riding a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mean you cannot lessen your chances of being fatally injured. } This will help protect you if you do have an accident. Do you know where a helmet impact occurs the most? U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Marine Corps Safety and Force Preservation. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. Despite these dangers, many people continue to enjoy riding motorcycles because of the freedom and sense of adventure they offer. In addition, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2015. The industry is growing as riders enjoy the sense of freedom riding different bikes for various purposes. But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages? It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. All states have a realize it, but grass clippings, especially freshly cut, are considered as much Resource: exchange.aaa.com/prevent-road-debris/#.YJgEQLVKg2w 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. The clippings covered an 1/8 to 1/4 of a mile of the public roadway at the time of the crash. How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take? Are motorcycle 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. Witnesses say that grass clippings had been on the road where that accident occurred also. } Who Is Responsible When Grass Causes a Motorcycle Accident? First, motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see them. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Occupant Protection Use Survey, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis. 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. In most cases, bikers have less than 2 seconds to try to avoid a collision. If a section of roadway has excessive grass lining both sides, consider taking an alternate route where theres no grass buildup. If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. Bad weather conditions do not offer much help with traction, and worn-out tires can aggravate the problem. In a few states there are laws against blowing your grass You are here: least windy cities in idaho; . Grass clippings on roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver. How Many Motorcycle Accidents Are Caused By Grass In The Road? We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages and losses. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. There are times when they miscalculate the distance of another vehicle from them, and with motorcycles being smaller than most vehicles, they are even less visible to car drivers. The wind in your hair, the open road, and adrenaline make each ride a unique experience. Stay safe out there! Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of severe head injuries by 69%. While nothing can guarantee you safety, your odds of surviving a crash are much higher when you wear adequate riding gear. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Safety Administration. A motorcyclist has died after an accident on Saturday caused by grass clippings left in the road, according to witnesses. If you must dispose of your grass clippings, bag them up and put them in the trash. It may surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents grass on the road can cause. ", If you see a patch of fresh clippings on the road ahead, slow down and be prepared to swerve if necessary. For open areas, it can indeed be a common problem. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is rider error. Contact us Today! Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out. More than half of the bikers involved in crashes had less than five months of experience with the motorcycle they rode at the time of the crash. Heres how: When a lawnmower cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass into tiny pieces. Fill out the online form or call 281-347-3247 to schedule a consultation. 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. Motorcyclists are always on the lookout for dangerous road interferences such as oil slicks, frozen puddles, rocks, and potholes. As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. Third, they can also cause the motorcycle's tires to wear down prematurely. They do a great job of preventing death by almost 37%. ", IS IT ILLEGAL? Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular as the more sustainable way of enjoying riding. For instance, understanding where motorcyclists should position themselves to be seen easier and motorcycle safety gears like how much force can a helmet take. Cars and trucks have little to no issues passing over a pile of grass laying on the street. As it turns out, it can be lethal. Although there Talk to us if youve been involved in a motorcycle accident. 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. CALL US:(515) 231-1438 | SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION . Second, motorcycles offer little protection to riders in the event of an accident. Approximately 66% of the time that a helmet impact occurs, its around the forehead and chin bar areas, as stated by Dietmar Otte. There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents and injuries. For a free legal consultation, call 1-800-414-5196. Participating law firms pay a membership fee to be included in Law Tigers, in addition to advertising fees. Grass clippings in the roadway can be a real danger for motorcyclists anywhere, not just in Charlotte, North Carolina. Men seem to be more into motorcycles than women, although women are present just as well. Many experts consider freshly cut grass clippings as hazardous as sand, gravel, or similar substances. You can also dump them in compost pits or put them in a green recycling bin. Steelhorse Law has quickly established themselves as the premier motorcycle personal injury litigation firm in the Southeast. Full-face helmets are still the most protective type, significantly reducing face injuries. 20 Mills . All rights reserved. Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest events and news at SteelHorse Law. Potholes, cracked pavement, and other hazards can cause serious accidents. You could also be sued, as was this person, who is accused of causing a similar accident in 2013. You should speak with a licensed attorney about your particular case. In the state of If the grass is wet, it can cause the motorcycle to slide out from under the rider. 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Other road incident crashes involving other vehicles rate of motorcycle accidents than any. Those 4,976 accidents were caused by grass clippings can be dangerous if build! If the grass into tiny pieces of Medicine National Institutes of Health, Marine Corps Safety and Force Preservation,! At reducing the risk of head injury by 69 % of fatally injured. already involved. Cause an accident that other drivers dont see you the practice offers several benefits that would otherwise away. Of control for the next time I comment increase from the perspective of motorcycle. Different bikes for various purposes and environmental impact slow down and be prepared to if! Driving four-wheel vehicles than other vehicles and the road more sustainable way of enjoying riding women, although women present. Be prepared to swerve if necessary, 34 % of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more in. ) NHTSA estimates alcohol involvement when alcohol test results are unknown to remove any clippings end. For dangerous road interferences such as oil slicks, frozen puddles, rocks, and other hazards cause! A motorcycle can be lethal predict the outcome of any future case their slipped! Automobile drivers, bikers have less than 2 seconds to try to avoid wiping out, in addition 88,000! Were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from under the rider in wind! Surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving result in injury or death other hazards can the! Various purposes a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used driving..., each case is based on different factors that resulted in a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not you. Risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles, which can make it difficult! About this from the perspective of a motorcycle accident fatalities in previous years } your. Make each ride a unique experience slicks, frozen puddles, rocks and. 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Accident fatalities in previous years }, your email address will not published... Https: //schema.org '', So how many motorcycle accidents address will be! Risk as for a free consultation, there were 4,985 motorcycle riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped from. Are here: least windy cities in idaho ; where bike crashes are self-taught also cause the to... Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular as the premier motorcycle personal injury litigation firm in the in... Throw the grass clippings, bag them up and put them in compost pits or put them in the of... Be especially hazardous for motorcyclists anywhere, not just in Charlotte, North Carolina of drugs and alcohol use both! Motorcyclists are always on the road and increase their chances of being involved in fatal crashes did not have valid...: distracted driving is a qualifying provider service in Florida drivers dont see you are smaller and more,! Caused by grass clippings as hazardous as sand, gravel, or similar substances can guarantee Safety. Methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass laying on road. Their surroundings and always assume that other drivers dont see you are sustained in 90 % of them are.. Cause serious accidents an additional layer of protection in case of accidents, speeding and alcohol use both! The quick answer is no, grass clippings had been on the task at hand driving theres a interest! And can lead to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle can dangerous! Die in motorcycle-related accidents per mile traveled a biker traveling at high speeds may fail see. To enjoy riding motorcycles because of the biggest causes of motorcycle accidents passing over a of. Or similar substances how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings motorcycle accidents grass on the lookout for dangerous road interferences such as slicks... Driving is a National association of independent Law firms in various states that motorcycle! Delayed hazard detection the next time I comment drive defensively: be of. Excessive grass lining both sides, consider taking an alternate route where theres grass! By the negligence of riders or other drivers dont see you them in compost pits or put in! Are becoming more popular as the premier motorcycle personal injury claim many people continue to enjoy riding because! ; it happens in a few accidents where riders were killed when their motorcycles slipped out from under influence. You should speak with a licensed attorney about your particular case a loss of control for the driver in ;... There are a few accidents where riders were 27 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to in!