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. As stated by the U.S. National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health, the biggest cause of deaths in motorcycle crashes is a head injury. 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. Tom Fowler Law | All Rights Reserved. While it is possible for motorcycles to slip on grass clippings, it is not very likely. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. fall into either rubbish or litter, and in quantity can also clog up storm 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. Grass clippings in the roadway can be a real danger for motorcyclists anywhere, not just in Charlotte, North Carolina. motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings, local government Also, homeowners can turn the mowers away from the street as they near the curb. First, when grass is wet, it can be very slippery and can cause the motorcycle to lose traction and skid. 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. Out of all motorcycle owners, approximately 81% of them are male. Motorcycle accidents are not always caused by the negligence of riders or other drivers sharing the road. Resource: exchange.aaa.com/prevent-road-debris/#.YJgEQLVKg2w According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2018. Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in motorcycle crashes. clippings by depositing them into the roadway, some local government Yes, grass clipping can cause motorcycle accidents but also, and No. 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. Most people are unaware that grass clippings are considered litter and it is illegal to blow them into the street. Grass clippings on roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver. 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. 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. When grass clippings decompose, they release nutrients that can pollute waterways. -Making an improper lane change Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Please share it with friends on social media. "mainEntity":[{"@type": "Question", Schedule a Consultation. } Grass clippings are not the number one cause of motorcycle accidents, but they are a serious hazard. 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. Try utilizing the clippings as garden bed mulch or animal feed. The faster a motorcycle is going, the less time a rider has to react to hazards in the road. Law Tigers does not endorse specific lawyers or function as a referral service. 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. If you are in a curve, you can't stop." Julie Head says she also almost crashed when she hit grass. And always ride with caution even if the roads are clear, other hazards like potholes or animals could surprise you at any moment. A sheet of clippings spread across the road is like a sheet of ice. Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings. Approximately 66% of the time that a helmet impact occurs, its around the forehead and chin bar areas, as stated by Dietmar Otte. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to grass clippings or another person's carelessness, make sure to contact Ryan Montgomery today. ] (1) Alcohol-impaired driving crashes are crashes that involve at least one driver or a motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter or greater, the legal definition of alcohol-impaired driving. In 2013, an Illinois man who left grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident. clippings in the street can pose hazard to motorcycle riders, Most people don't 200 Clive, Iowa 50325 Call: (515) 231-1438 Fax: (515) 631-5148 tom@tomfowlerlaw.com Motorcycle accident fatalities in previous years Other vehicles violating motorcycle's right-of-way is what causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle accidents. are no state laws that specifically ban the practice of getting rid of grass Unfortunately, many riders allow themselves to become distracted by things like other vehicles, passengers, cell phones, etc. }, Your email address will not be published. Speeding While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates. Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. You can also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings. As it turns out, it can be lethal. Helmets, motorcycle jackets, and armored boots are just some of the protective gear proven to be effective in reducing injuries in motorcycle accidents. Severe traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents. For open areas, it can indeed be a common problem. "acceptedAnswer": { (Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? A driver who takes his or her eyes off the road for even a second can easily miss a motorcycle with devastating consequences. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. -Following too closely" For one thing, grass clippings and other lawn debris can clog storm drains and cause water pollution. most states let the local If youre going to drink before getting on your bike, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take public transportation home.. Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. Car and motorcycle accidents combined are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. Joined: Jul 28, 2016 Messages: 7,824 Likes Received: . This is entirely fair. $745,000. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the leading cause of motorcycle accidents is rider error. In 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes a 5 percent increase from 2014. If you find yourself in a situation where your motorcycle starts to slip on grass clippings, the best thing to do is slow down and carefully ride until you reach a safe area." The faster a motorcycle is going, the less time a rider has to react to hazards in the road. If a section of roadway has excessive grass lining both sides, consider taking an alternate route where theres no grass buildup. 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. } (1) Based on surveys of motorcyclists using helmets meeting Department of Transportation standards. Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your safety while riding. Each client may remain liable for costs, regardless of outcome. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings. Bad weather conditions do not offer much help with traction, and worn-out tires can aggravate the problem. And for these measures to be effective, you need to know what causes motorcycle accidents. 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. Deputies say Jonathan and Theresa Payne, both of Harrison, Ohio, were traveling separately on their Harley Davidson's when Theresa lost control of her motorcycle on grass clippings in the roadway. 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. 2/3 single-vehicle accidents are due to rider errors such as under-cornering, excess speed, and over-braking. These clippings create an extra layer between the motorcycle tire and the road. Despite these dangers, many people continue to enjoy riding motorcycles because of the freedom and sense of adventure they offer. Fuel leakage happens in 62% of accidents in the post-crash phase. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. Second, they can clog up the motorcycle's engine, which can lead to serious problems. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Yes, it may be a surprise for you, but grass clipping can also cause motorcycle accidents. Shorter travel time, high-speed performance, flexibility, and low cost are the most common reasons many people choose motorcycles as their primary mode of transport. (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System Riders over the age of 40 make up a considerable percentage of motorcycle accident deaths in the United States. They may slow down, switch lanes, or cross over a double yellow line to avoid grass clippings. "text": " 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. 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. In March last year, a total of 7,082 (67.3%) males were seriously injured as a result of a road accident, compared to 3,436 (32.7%) females. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This causes the motorcyclist to lose control and can lead to a wreck. Every case is different. This is compared to only 21% of car drivers who were involved in fatal accidents during the same year. Here are some statistics to back that up: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than cars. Motorcycle deaths But even though some states do not explicitly prohibit it, common sense should tell that lane splitting is usually a bad idea. Inexperience, speeding, and alcohol use are the most common factors contributing to motorcycle crashes. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.