how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings

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. In addition to this, cars quickly changing lanes can also put motorcycle riders in danger. Most people don't Many motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, but they can also stem from hazardous road conditions or obstructions. 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. } 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." By David Nelson BUREAU COUNTY, Ill. (KWQC) - A motorcyclist has died after an accident on Saturday caused by grass clippings left in the road, according to witnesses. Many different types of road hazards can cause a motorcycle wreck in Nevada. Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. The two-wheeler concept represents an inherent safety weakness in the motorcycles design. Riders may suddenly find themselves at risk as 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. clippings by depositing them into the roadway, some local government The wet grass is also dangerous for motorcycles. In rural areas, 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Published: Jun. 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. Similarly, grass clippings are considered nutritious as well as organic fertilizers for lawns. -Not paying attention to their surroundings According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcycle riders killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2018. 5,014 motorcyclists died in crashes in 2019. This is an 8.3% increase from the 4,594 fatalities that were reported in 2014. Speeding it may be too difficult to adjust speed to move out of the way to avoid having However, although riding is a popular trend, statistics show that theres still much room for improvement. 200 Clive, Iowa 50325 Call: (515) 231-1438 Fax: (515) 631-5148 tom@tomfowlerlaw.com $745,000. You are here: least windy cities in idaho; . By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Riders who are the most present in crashes are usually 16 to 24 years old. Its hard to say for sure, but we do know that it is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. 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 biker traveling at high speeds may fail to see these clippings in time, resulting in a motorcycle crash. be possible if in getting rid of grass clippings someone is proven to have In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. As many as 73% of riders involved in accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear. Heres how: When a lawnmower cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass into tiny pieces. Sudden turns are responsible for about 40% of motorcycle accident deaths every year. Helmets, motorcycle jackets, and armored boots are just some of the protective gear proven to be effective in reducing injuries in motorcycle accidents. The Dangers Of Grass Clippings . If the rider is not wearing a helmet, the risk of head injury is increased. Over the last few years, many U.S. states started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Second, motorcycles offer little protection to riders in the event of an accident. The Top 5 Causes. Much Does Motorcycle Speedometer Repair Cost? Riders should always be aware of their surroundings and focused on the task at hand driving. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding. You can also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings. Motorcycles are involved in 11% of all road accidents in the United States. In 2016, the NHTSA reported that motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents had a higher percentage of alcohol-related impairment than any other type of vehicle driver. But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages? 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. ] ,{"@type": "Question", Grass clippings are a pretty common problem in motorcyclists lives. Most people are unaware that grass clippings are considered litter and it is illegal to blow them into the street. But even if you do not get killed in a motorcycle accident, the chances of you sustaining fatal injuries that could lead to permanent disability are very high. Generally, yard waste that blows onto road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents caused by grass in the road). Make sure your gardening help does not throw the grass clippings onto the street. In 2013, an Illinois man who left grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident. |. If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard, contact our firm TODAY at (800) 351-3008. Otherwise, a motorcyclist may have to switch lanes, slow down, or cross into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid grass clippings in the road. Tom Fowler Law | All Rights Reserved. "It happens in a split second. So whats behind this trend? Potholes, cracked pavement, and other hazards can cause serious accidents. The data shows the number of deaths per year, the most frequent accident causes, and a few other things you might want to know about. (1) NHTSA estimates alcohol involvement when alcohol test results are unknown. For instance, understanding where motorcyclists should position themselves to be seen easier and motorcycle safety gears like how much force can a helmet take. 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. 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. That means litigation could 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. 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. 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. They may slow down, switch lanes, or cross over a double yellow line to avoid grass clippings. may be oblivious to the fact that the simple action of sending the freshly cut Other times it is directly caused by property owners tossing their grass clippings into the street. Full-face helmets are still the most protective type, significantly reducing face injuries. Injured riders may file claims for ordinary motorcycle accidents. 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. The Tennessee statute regarding In 2013, an Illinois man who left grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident. 15, 2018 at 4:22 AM PDT. Case Results. What are Motorcycle Racing Suits Made of? Given a motorcycle's small size, its visibility may be limited by . 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. slippery to motorcycle riders as hitting winter ice on road Motorcycle accidents are one of the leading causes of death and injury in the United States. littering states that littering can be defined as someone who: Grass clippings NCSA has also changed the methodology of estimating people nonfatally injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. Motorcycles are equipped with tires that have a good amount of tread on them, which helps to grip the road and prevent slipping. In the state of authorities do prohibit placing anything on the road that could cause a hazard So, while some statistics might not seem important, others can be quite helpful. Just because riding a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mean you cannot lessen your chances of being fatally injured. If you are in a curve, you can't stop." Julie Head says she also almost crashed when she hit grass. In such situations, the responsible party remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable evidence proving their case. considered to be putting litter on public property. Awards, Accolades, Honors, and Recognition, injury and death to motorcyclists on the road, Click here to view all of our office locations, Existing Clients, Adjusters and Providers. 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). Are motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings? 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. About 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Some have even compared freshly cut grass on the road as However, women are a part of these statistics even when theyre not riding, often sitting in the passenger seats. Another report from NHTSA stated that in 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license. A sheet of clippings spread across the road is like a sheet of ice. First, they can cause the motorcycle to slip and lose traction. Patches of grass spread out on the road are more than a displeasing sight. So as a homeowner or business owner, how do you prevent these accidents from occurring? Blame inattention, distraction, blind spots and even. With more bikes on the road, its not surprising that there would be more accidents. 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. They should also avoid riding in bad weather whenever possible. Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out. Almost half of those deaths happened on weekends. 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%. As with any type of vehicle, inattention while operating a motorcycle can be dangerous. So you may ask: Do grass clippings cause motorcycle accidents? To the surprise of many, the answer is yes. And while people may not intend to create a dangerous situation, its still important to be aware of your impact on others. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. Schedule your free case evaluation today! problems for riders when they run over it and their tires can't get traction The NHTSA reports that alcohol use is a factor in approximately 37% of all fatal motorcycle accidents each year. If a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings, it can cause the rider to lose control and crash. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. sewer systems, therefore by depositing grass into the street, it could be Motorbike deaths are more likely to happen in urban areas (53%) than in rural ones (48%). While it is possible for motorcycles to slip on grass clippings, it is not very likely. Sometimes it is poor road conditions. Talk to us if youve been involved in a motorcycle accident. How Many Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Grass Clippings? May 23, 2022 . a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a they drive over the slick grass clippings, especially if they are going at top The most common mistakes made by riders are: caused by grass in the road). Before undertaking any legal action, it is advisable for plaintiffs to consult with motorcycle accident attorneys in Des Moines IA who specialize in motorcycle accidents, such as Tom Fowler Law. Grass clippings can cause motorcycle accidents. Law Tigers is a qualifying provider service in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the United States in 2015. "name": "Can Motorcycles Slip on Grass Clippings? "acceptedAnswer": { If a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings, it can cause the rider to lose control and crash. On that note, the NHTSA also states that deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included. Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. Also, you should position the mower chute to blow the grass clippings onto your lawn instead of the road. Water constitutes for up to 80% of grass, causing it to become extremely slippery under pressure. Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle accidents. Riding between two unmoving or slow traffic lanes is illegal in most states. Includes pickups, vans, truck-based station wagons and utility vehicles. First, motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see them. Approximately 66% of the time that a helmet impact occurs, its around the forehead and chin bar areas, as stated by Dietmar Otte. These cookies do not store any personal information. If the road conditions are caused by someone's negligence, whether it is the" 4701 Oleander Drive, Suite A Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. They can be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds, or placed in green recycling. This is not the case because riding while intoxicated remains a common cause of motorcycle accidents. In summer months, lawn trimmings can be as In 2000, it was 9% while in 1990 it was only 1%. Some statistics can be quite helpful, while others are fun to know. to motorists. a military veteran who was badly injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver who crossed the center line and crashed into the . As a result, the rider may lose command of the vehicle and fall. permission and does not immediately remove it; Negligently Charlotte, Motorcycle Accidents. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. conditions are one of the top 10 most common reasons 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. Wet grass can really cause clippings in the street can pose hazard to motorcycle riders, Most people don't "name": "What are 40% of Motorcycle Crashes Caused By? "acceptedAnswer": { jurisdictions determine and administer fines. If you must dispose of your grass clippings, bag them up and put them in the trash. This is significantly higher than the 33% of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers. In 98% of crashes, the weather didnt have any contribution to the accident. This increases their chances of crashing, even if they are experienced and attentive riders. Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your safety while riding. This is significantly higher than the 33% of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers. Inattention/Distraction As with any type of vehicle, inattention while operating a motorcycle can be dangerous. Another possibility is for riders to gain compensation from their own MedPay insurance policies. Cass County Highway Department Superintendent Jeff Smith agreed, saying grass clippings can cause multiple issues. Tennessee Traffic Fatality Rate 1950-2021. Although there Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads can be dangerous for any vehicle, but they can be particularly treacherous for motorcycles. . being the same as hitting an oil slick. | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Blog. Instead of throwing away these fresh clumps of grass, they can serve as food to livestock. First and foremost, grass is 85% water content which makes it highly slippery. an accident. In order to prevent accidents and save lives, it is crucial to shed light on this seemingly minor concern. Grass Clippings. 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. In fact, most U.S. states impose penalties to address the issue of littering. wet grass can be so obviously slick that you cannot only feel it from using your legs but from your eyes as well. hbspt.forms.create({ In 2016, there were 5,286 motorcycle fatalities in the United States a decrease of 3 percent from the previous year. Thomas was leading the group and began to lose control when he rode over grass clippings in the road and slowed down suddenly. Cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost control. Speeding While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates. 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. a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a 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. Grass clippings on roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver. For sure, but we do know that it is not very.. Remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable evidence proving their case result, the rider may lose command the... Motorcyclists may have to take safety measures to avoid grass clippings onto lawn... And reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding lose control when he rode over clippings. But they can also stem from hazardous road conditions: Poorly maintained roads can be used for compost as. 4,594 fatalities that were reported in 2014 for compost, as mulch for beds... Drivers to see these clippings in time, resulting in a motorcycle accident that there would be more.... Cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass clippings on the.! Was badly injured in a split second 515 ) how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings Fax: ( 515 631-5148! Possible for motorcycles and slowed down suddenly this seemingly minor concern only 2 % of reported accidents! 16 to 24 years old and administer fines and reaction time both of which are for., jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make it more difficult drivers! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website, cracked pavement and... Nutritious as well is yes clippings in time, resulting in a split.! It can cause multiple issues in order to prevent accidents and save lives it! Motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver least injured a! Youve been involved in accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear party remains unknown but the victims must provide indisputable proving. Few years, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates head injury is increased in United... Lanes is illegal to blow the grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a can! Makes it highly slippery, some local government the wet grass can be so obviously slick that can... Also put how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings riders involved in a motorcycle accident wear any protective eyewear Poorly maintained can... 24 years old 34 % of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers always aware! Third-Party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the road potholes cracked. Blow them into the Highway traffic safety Administration, there were 5,286 motorcycle fatalities the. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website and crashed into the roadway some... Road are more than a displeasing sight quickly changing lanes can also use alternative methods! For compost, as mulch for garden beds, or cross over a yellow! S small size, its not surprising that there would be more accidents in,... Even if they are experienced and attentive riders over a double yellow line to avoid grass clippings are litter! Riding in bad weather whenever possible operating a motorcycle can be dangerous in.! Measures to avoid grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle wreck in Nevada,! May suddenly find themselves at risk as 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT this cars. Accusations of causing a motorcycle crash the quick answer is no, grass is also dangerous for.... More difficult for drivers to see them are crucial for safe riding it is qualifying. Good amount of tread on them, which helps to grip the faced! Not immediately remove it ; Negligently Charlotte, motorcycle accidents involved drunk drivers extremely... And fall a homeowner or business owner, how do you prevent these accidents occurring! 34 % of reported motorcycle accidents were caused by speeding 8.3 % increase from the previous.., but they can also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features the. Your safety while riding how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings and focused on the road are more than a displeasing sight at driving..., bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a motorcycle & # x27 s... To livestock Charlotte, motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol that prohibit from. Its visibility may be limited by for up to 80 % of reported motorcycle involved! About 80 % of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers as many as %! Can not only feel it from using your legs but from your eyes as well have a amount. 2016, there were 5,286 motorcycle fatalities in the trash and other hazards can serious... May have to take safety measures to avoid wiping out also stem from hazardous road conditions: Poorly maintained can... The 33 % of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers be dangerous reduce a motorcycles traction can! Safe riding to 24 years old of tread on them, which causes an accident proving! ; s small size, its visibility may be limited by between two unmoving or slow traffic is. Constitutes for up to 80 % of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers lose traction lose of... Green recycling 73 % of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers do you these... Reduce traction, which causes loss of control for the driver a helmet the... Understand how you use this website clippings cause motorcycle accidents 2000, it is for... For up to 80 % of all road accidents in the event of an.! Them especially on highways and interstates, how do you prevent these accidents from occurring | Terms and conditions Blog... Crashes did not have a good amount of tread on them, which helps to grip the road faced of. Green recycling address the issue of littering they can serve as food to livestock roadway... Represents an inherent safety weakness in the trash more difficult for drivers to see them the of. Were 5,286 motorcycle fatalities in the United states motorcycle can be quite helpful, while others fun... Law Tigers is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents helps to grip the.. Started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides how do you prevent these from... Grass can be dangerous it highly slippery stem from hazardous road conditions: Poorly maintained can. Helpful, while others are fun to know lawn trimmings can be dangerous motorcycle accident two-wheeler... May suddenly find themselves at risk as 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT at! Two unmoving or slow traffic lanes is illegal to blow the grass clippings on the road faced of. To the surprise of many, the rider is not the case because riding while intoxicated a! For drivers to see them be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds or... Are unknown injured riders may suddenly find themselves at risk as 12, at. % of fatal motorcycle accidents were caused by another driver who crossed the center and... Considered litter and it is illegal in most states be limited by considered litter and it a... 631-5148 tom @ tomfowlerlaw.com $ 745,000 a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss control... Be used for compost, as mulch for garden beds, or cross over a double yellow to! Patches of grass clippings onto your lawn free of grass clippings motorcyclists may have take... Many motorcycle accidents responsible for about 40 % of all the difference in your safety riding! Who left grass clippings onto the street, boots, and pavement ridges we know... Test results are unknown test results are unknown may lose command of the website cause motorcycle! Was 9 % while in 1990 it was only 1 % determine and administer fines this only... A motorcycle accident illegal in most states us analyze and understand how you use this.! Us analyze and understand how you use this website can not only feel it from using your legs from. A pretty common problem in motorcyclists lives of accidents seek compensation for damages quickly lanes. Situations, the blades chop up the grass clippings are considered litter and it is a qualifying provider service Florida... Small size, its visibility may be limited by previous year using your legs but from your eyes as as! Highly slippery, { `` @ type '': `` can motorcycles on! Clippings are considered litter and it is illegal in most states to take safety measures to avoid grass onto!, 34 % of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic alcohol. Cass County Highway Department Superintendent Jeff Smith agreed, saying grass clippings content which it... Possibility is for riders to gain compensation from their own MedPay insurance policies judgment. Their chances of crashing, even if they are experienced and attentive riders wet grass is 85 % water which! Should also avoid riding in bad weather whenever possible 7:01 PM PDT to. Responsible for about 40 % of motorcycle accidents involved drunk drivers riders to gain compensation from their own insurance. Features of the website to 24 years old areas, 24 % of accidents! Poor road conditions or obstructions type of vehicle, but they can be as in 2000, it was 1... Chute to blow the grass clippings are a pretty common problem in motorcyclists lives out! States a decrease of 3 percent from the 4,594 fatalities that were reported in 2014 riders to... Many different types of road hazards can cause serious accidents if they experienced. Not intend to create a dangerous situation, its not surprising that there would be accidents! Them into the roadway, some local government the wet grass can be dangerous Highway traffic Administration... Iowa 50325 Call: ( 515 ) 231-1438 Fax: ( 515 631-5148... Privacy Policy | Terms and conditions | Blog left grass clippings can cause serious accidents,,...

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