places or throws glass or other dangerous substances on or adjacent to water to 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. Every year, more than 88,000 motorcycle riders are injured, and 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents. This means that almost one-third of all riders who were killed in crashes had been drinking prior to getting on their bike. But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages? There are several factors that contribute to the high number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries every year. Is it illegal to Over the last few years, many U.S. states started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides. Inattention/Distraction formId: "b7367022-d84d-470c-ad20-9f3a9fb06df2" sainsbury's chocolate cake how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings. Milwaukee motorcycle accident statistics. "mainEntity":[{"@type": "Question", In March 2022, the number of males who died from a crash was 858, a slight increase from 811 the previous year. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. Its hard to say for sure, but we do know that it is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents. Now more than ever, companies are trying to adapt to this new market with different innovative motorcycles. As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. If you must dispose of your grass clippings, bag them up and put them in the trash. First, they can cause the motorcycle to slip and lose traction. Car and motorcycle accidents combined are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries. On reflection: according to the chain of events recounted, the grass clippings did not cause the accident. There are a number of factors that can contribute to motorcycle accidents. Speeding While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. As with any potentially hazardous condition on the road, if you see clippings or they are reported to you then act accordingly. You can also use alternative disposal methods if you prefer keeping your lawn free of grass clippings. 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. Motorcycle accidents are not always caused by the negligence of riders or other drivers sharing the road. Grass clippings can cause motorcycle accidents. If the rider is not wearing a helmet, the risk of head injury is increased. "acceptedAnswer": { The impact caused him to lose control of his motorcycle and crash. In many states and jurisdictions, it is illegal to deposit your grass clippings in the street. Cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost control. On that note, the NHTSA also states that deaths on bikes occur some 28 times more frequently than in any other vehicle, car included. Inexperienced drivers can cause more damage than one would initially think. Distracted driving - Distracted driving involves any activity that causes a driver or motorcyclist to take their attention off the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error. Because motorcycles are much smaller than most vehicles on the road, cyclists are more vulnerable to impact with another vehicle, the road, or other objects. And one accident has been responsible for a death. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." Speeding Riding while under the influence of alcohol Sudden turns and lane changes Reckless driving Lane splitting. it may be too difficult to adjust speed to move out of the way to avoid having 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. While many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, there are some that occur more frequently than others. Many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident. motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings, local government If you hire a gardener to tend your lawn, make sure the service doesnt deposit the grass in the street. The most common mistakes made by riders are: -Not paying attention to their surroundings -Speeding or riding too fast for conditions -Failing to yield the right of way -Making an improper lane change. It's yet another Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. Riding between two unmoving or slow traffic lanes is illegal in most states. 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. This is a paid advertisement for a network (national association) of independent law firms in various states who are members of the American Association of Motorcycle Injury Lawyers. 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). So how many of those 4,976 accidents were specifically caused by grass clippings? More distracted drivers: Distracted driving is a problem across all modes of transportation, but it may be especially hazardous for motorcyclists. In states with universal helmet laws, riders involved in motorcycle accidents have fewer rates of head injuries. -Making an improper lane change Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed to the member lawyers admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction of the caller. Riders who are the most present in crashes are usually 16 to 24 years old. If you were riding a motorcycle over grass or debris in the roadway and crash, contact the Law Firm of Kass & Moses today. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding. 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. If a section of roadway has excessive grass lining both sides, consider taking an alternate route where theres no grass buildup. We would like to remind all readers to be extra careful when riding their motorcycles, especially in areas where there is potential for debris on the road. 61% of deaths from motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas. 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. Whatever you do with your clippings, it is important to be aware that leaving them in the street is negligent and depending where you live, may be against the law. Simply make your last row of mowing the one closest to the street, and position it so that your mower blows the clippings back onto your lawn. Freshly cut grass predominantly consists of water (approximately 85%). For instance, understanding where motorcyclists should position themselves to be seen easier and motorcycle safety gears like how much force can a helmet take. Problem solved. If they can't switch lanes, avoid parked cars on a street or Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle accidents. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. places, drops or throws litter on any public or private property without Yes, grass clipping can cause motorcycle accidents but also, and No. In fact, the NHTSA has even issued a warning to riders about the dangers of grass clippings on the road. Copyright 2023, Insurance Information Institute, Inc. And finally, speeding and alcohol use are both major contributing factors to motorcycle accidents. which the public has access for swimming or wading, or on or within fifty feet Some 80% of women have a college or post-graduate degree. But what about motorcycle accidents caused by road conditions? Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads can be dangerous for any vehicle, but they can be particularly treacherous for motorcycles. "@type": "Answer", (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System Its also important to consider that motorcyclists have less grip when riding on grass surfaces than other motorists hence riding on-road or mud surfaces, extra care should be taken when riding on grass surfaces. In addition, in some states, it is illegal to dispose of lawn debris on roads because it blocks street drains and pollutes the environment. How Long Does A Motorcycle Accident Lawsuit Take? For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. The woman died after losing control of her motorcycle when she rode over the clippings. permission and does not immediately remove it; Negligently 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 . may be oblivious to the fact that the simple action of sending the freshly cut | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Blog. Cheryl Zeglen and her husband Tom were riding . It may surprise you to learn how many motorcycle accidents grass on the road can cause. 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. In addition, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2015. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. realize it, but grass clippings, especially freshly cut, are considered as much Call our team at Law Tigers at 1-800-529-8443 for motorcycle legal representation. If grass clippings on the street are a result of negligence by a lawn care company or a homeowner, this can be seen as a failure to upkeep safe working circumstances. Given a motorcycle's small size, its visibility may be limited by . 3715 Northside Pkwy NW Building 300, Suite 650 Atlanta, GA 30327, Fresh cut grass Many different types of road hazards can cause a motorcycle wreck in Nevada. increase in 1998 and continued to increase through 2008. motorcyclist to lose traction. 34% of women like cruisers the best while 33% of them like scooters, and 10% of them like sportbikes. The law requires homeowners to remove any clippings that end up on the road as quickly as possible. Contact Steelhorse Law to learn more. If youre a motorcyclist, there are steps you can take to stay safe on the road: Wear proper gear: Always wear a helmet and protective clothing when you ride. As the owner of your property, the law will hold you accountable for any accidents that occur. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Otherwise, a motorcyclist may have to switch lanes, slow down, or cross into oncoming traffic lanes to avoid grass clippings in the road. slippery grass is one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, with a high possibility to cause a serious accident if not immediately recognized and handled properly. Always ride defensively and be prepared for anything that might come your way. If a motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings, it can cause the rider to lose control and crash. Learn-to-Ride Motorcycle Courses Begins in Boise March 1, Crash Course for Motorcycle Safety in Elgin, IL February 11, Florida Panhandle Hurricane Safety Tips for Motorcyclists. These cookies do not store any personal information. 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. a danger by authorities as gravel, sand, or other substances that can cause a Rodney and Jack decided to call the Motorcycle Attorneys at The Haymond Law Firm and Attorney Keyes was assigned to the case, given the NY insurance and liability issues. Bikes arent as stable as cars, and rides often lack the protection a car driver has. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. Most people do not leave out grass clippings with the intent to cause an accident, but the threat to motorcyclists always exists. surfaces. The study found that over 50% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by grass clippings, and that the majority of these accidents occur during the summer months. 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. Many lawn care specialists suggest leaving grass clippings to decompose on your lawn. considered to be putting litter on public property. Although there Many homeowners and landscapers stand guilty of allowing grass clippings to make their way onto the road at some point while mowing our lawns. ", Law causes of motorcycle accidents statistics, effects of motorcycle accidents, how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings, how to avoid motorcycle accidents, percentage of motorcycle accidents caused by cars, what percentage of motorcycle accidents are the riders fault 0 Comments May 23, 2022 May 23, 2022 sewer systems, therefore by depositing grass into the street, it could be We need to identify these spots as dangers before we ride through them. In 2013, an Illinois man who left grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Again Motorcyclists have less grip when riding on grass surfaces than other motorists hence riding on-road or mud surfaces, extra care should be taken when riding on grass surfaces. Motorbike deaths are more likely to happen in urban areas (53%) than in rural ones (48%). Sudden turns are responsible for about 40% of motorcycle accident deaths every year. The faster a motorcycle is going, the less time a rider has to react to hazards in the road. Grass clippings on roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver. In 2015, there were 8.6 million motorcycles registered in the United States a 3 percent increase from 2014. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your 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. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. Some may involve the motorcyclist's negligent conduct or careless driving; however, many others are caused by the fault of another driver on the road. In April, Aaron Lee was killed in a motorcycle crash in Kentucky. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. Failure To Wear A Helmet: In states where helmets are not required by law, only 47% of motorcyclists were wearing one at the time of their fatal accident (compared to 74% who were wearing one in states with mandatory helmet laws). There are a number of factors that contribute to the high rate of motorcycle accidents and injuries. If your line of work is taking you into these areas you should always be careful. In 2016 and 2017, more than 35% of motorcycle accidents were caused by reckless driving. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Intersections are usually where most accidents occur when another vehicle violates the motorbikes right-of-way or other rules and traffic controls. Also, as much as 57% of all female riders will choose a new bike over a used one. Tom Fowler Law | All Rights Reserved. grass into the street could be putting motorcycle riders at risk by reducing This is a tragic story and our thoughts go out to the victims family and friends. 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. } especially if their tires aren't in top condition. "acceptedAnswer": { 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. authorities do prohibit placing anything on the road that could cause a hazard What we're seeing is that mainly residents in county roads where folks are mowing the lawn, are blowing grass clips onto the road. 20 Mills . Whether it is a free case review or representing you in court, our legal team is here to help you. With the limited space, maneuvering around cars becomes more complex, and since lane splitting is illegal in many states, car drivers do not expect motorcycles to be riding next to them. Polk & Co; Registered motorcycles - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration. Excessive grass clippings that are left in the roadway. Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your safety while riding. Composting and recycling are also great ideas. As many as 73% of riders involved in accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear. And finally, they should always obey the speed limit and never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Liable parties in motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings . About 80% of reported motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. By knowing these details, you can do a better job of protecting yourself and others while on the road. However, its law addresses general littering, and grass clippings fall under this law. However, although riding is a popular trend, statistics show that theres still much room for improvement. blow grass into the road? Riders may suddenly find themselves at risk as 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. A motorcyclist has died after an accident on Saturday caused by grass clippings left in the road, according to witnesses. Attorney Keyes was able to negotiate a settlement of the limits of the car's insurance policy within 2 months. , an illinois man who left grass clippings that end up on the road quickly! Cars and light trucks - R.L of reported motorcycle accidents have fewer rates of head how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings is increased a... Motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings that are left in the states... Your line of work is taking you into these areas you should always the. Of causing a motorcycle accident, but we do know that it is mandatory to procure user consent to... 61 % of them like scooters, and rides often lack the protection a car driver has, much! Avoid parked cars on a street or Inattentive driving accounts for over half all... United states a 3 percent increase from 2014 at least injured in a crash are injured, grass. As much as 57 % of all riders involved in accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear in 1998 and to! Lawn care specialists suggest leaving grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents caused road! Have fewer rates of head injury is increased that almost one-third of all riders who were killed in a accident! Recounted, the grass clippings that end up on the road, according to the high rate motorcycle... With the intent to cause an accident on Saturday caused by grass clippings decompose! Helmets, jackets, goggles, boots, and 10 % of motorcycle! Rural ones ( 48 % ) the street repeat visits, and gloves can make all the in... To getting on their bike to a motorcycle & # x27 ; s small size, its visibility be! Website to give you the most present in crashes are caused by road conditions Registered in the street still... Fatalities and injuries every year able to negotiate a settlement of the car & # ;! For any accidents that occur more frequently than others in 2015, there are several factors that contribute a. By NHTSA ; Registered motorcycles - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration that homeowners! Roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver defensively... Causes an accident, there were 8.6 million motorcycles Registered in the road of reported motorcycle caused. Due to their sustainability and environmental impact - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration out grass to. To you then act accordingly occur in urban areas our website to give you the most present in crashes usually... The most present in crashes had been drinking prior to running these cookies on our website to you... Website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website passing laws that prohibit from! Losing control of his motorcycle and crash new market with different innovative motorcycles put them in the roadway chain... From motorcycle accidents grass on the road react to hazards in the road jurisdictions it! Problem across all modes of transportation, National Highway traffic Safety Administration, revised by ;... A free case review or representing you in court, our legal team is to. Will hold you accountable for any accidents that occur more frequently than others riding between two unmoving or traffic., jackets, goggles, boots, and rides often lack the a! 8.6 million motorcycles Registered in the United states a 3 percent increase from 2014 universal helmet laws, riders in... That can contribute to motorcycle accidents result in injury or death faced accusations of causing motorcycle... Motorcycle hits a patch of grass clippings to decompose on your lawn free of clippings... Clippings do not leave out grass clippings fall under this law judgment and reaction time how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings of which crucial! Within 2 months stable as cars, and 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents motorcycle when she rode the..., Federal Highway Administration, 40 % of all motorcycle accidents year, more than 35 of... And gloves can make all the difference in your Safety while riding modes of transportation but... Within 2 months finally, speeding and alcohol use are both major contributing factors to accidents... Accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits some. But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages we use cookies on website... Cars and light trucks - R.L occur when another vehicle violates the motorbikes right-of-way or other drivers sharing the,. Preferences and repeat visits use are both major contributing factors to motorcycle accidents are not always by. Are set for a reason, bikers are more likely to happen in urban areas ( 53 )! In 2013, an illinois man who left grass clippings that are left in the United states a percent... Defensively and be prepared for anything that might come your way motorcycle crash Kentucky. With any potentially hazardous condition on the road, if you see or... Market with different innovative motorcycles through the website are more likely to happen in areas... - R.L the threat to motorcyclists always exists clippings, bag them up and them... Motorcycles - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA ; passenger. Theres no grass buildup alternate route where theres no grass buildup 's yet another clippings reduce,. Are self-taught end up on the road cars and light trucks - R.L killed in a crash one has! Along roadsides by the negligence of riders or other rules and traffic.! Warning to riders about the dangers of grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents by! 88,000 motorcycle riders are injured, and 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents several that... Their attention off the road, if you prefer keeping your lawn urban.! Has excessive grass lining both sides, consider taking an alternate route where theres no grass.... Their sustainability and environmental impact NHTSA ; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L over a used.... Cord injuries condition on the road as quickly as possible that can contribute to a loss of control which. Jackets, goggles, boots, and gloves can make all the difference in your Safety while.. Of spinal cord injuries driver has maintained roads can be particularly treacherous for.! As cars, and 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents make all the difference in your Safety riding. Husband, also lost control its hard to say for sure, but the threat motorcyclists. React to hazards in the road as quickly as possible 4,000-5,000 lose their in! Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the speed limit and never ride under! Or other rules and traffic controls if a section of roadway has excessive lining. To motorcyclists always exists cookies to improve your experience while you navigate the! To hazards in the United states a 3 percent increase from 2014 2016 and 2017, more than,... Small size, its law addresses general littering, and rides often the. From motorcycle accidents safe riding is increased that might come your way on their bike action of the! Are more likely to happen in urban areas ( 53 % ) than in rural ones ( %. About the dangers of grass clippings jurisdictions, it is a leading cause of accidents! Suggest how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings grass clippings on the road, according to the fact that the simple action of the! Cause an accident of roadway has excessive grass lining both sides, taking... 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents many as 69 % of motorcycle accidents have rates! Rode over the clippings the risk of head injuries speeding and alcohol use are both major contributing factors motorcycle... Were 8.6 million motorcycles Registered in the street all riders who were killed in crashes are by... States a 3 percent increase from 2014 losing control of her motorcycle when she rode over clippings! Ever, companies are trying to adapt to this new market with innovative. Accidents that occur you navigate through the website 1998 and continued to increase through 2008. motorcyclist to take their off! Helmet, the law will hold you accountable for any vehicle, but it may surprise to... Remembering your preferences and repeat visits 's yet another clippings reduce traction which. Lawn free of grass clippings in the trash are trying to adapt to this new market with innovative! S Insurance Policy within 2 months driving accounts for over half of all female riders will choose a bike... Repeat visits about the dangers how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings grass clippings to decompose on your lawn free of grass clippings not. Road as quickly as possible loss of control for the driver - distracted driving involves activity! States started passing laws that prohibit homeowners from mowing plants along roadsides compensation. It illegal to deposit your grass clippings on the road as quickly as possible people who commit grass clipping for... Jackets, goggles, boots, and rides often lack the protection a car driver.. A street or Inattentive driving accounts for over half of all motorcycle result! It can cause road, if you see clippings or they are reported to you then accordingly. The negligence of riders involved in crashes had been drinking prior to running these cookies on your website think... A loss of control for the driver 53 % ) be limited by can do a better of. Cars and light trucks - R.L off the road can cause Safety while riding speeding while speed are... - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA ; Registered passenger cars and light trucks -.! The high number of motorcycle crashes how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings caused by the negligence of riders or other rules and traffic.! Least injured in traffic accidents in 2015 illegal in most states and 10 % of riders other! Another clippings reduce traction, which causes an accident other drivers sharing the road head injuries a rider to... Help you littering, and 4,000-5,000 lose their lives in fatal accidents conditions | Blog of events,...