The NHTSA reports that alcohol use is a factor in approximately 37% of all fatal motorcycle accidents each year. Content manager and writer for MotorcycleAccident.org, Steps To Take After a Motorcycle Accident, High-Performance Motorcycles and Accidents, motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents, motorcycle riders involved in fatal accidents had a higher percentage of alcohol-related impairment than any other type, motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license, armored boots are just some of the protective gear proven to be effective in reducing injuries in motorcycle. This is also happening on state highways. While speed limits are set for a reason, many riders choose to ignore them especially on highways and interstates. If You've Been Injured Due to Grass Clippings If you have been hurt, or have lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings in the street, contact TorkLaw. Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular as the more sustainable way of enjoying riding. Talk to us if youve been involved in a motorcycle accident. They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. "When it did, the whole back end of my slingshot went out. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. In addition to this, cars quickly changing lanes can also put motorcycle riders in danger. Homeowners and landscaping maintenance crews This means that almost one-third of all riders who were killed in crashes had been drinking prior to getting on their bike. Cheryl, following directly behind her husband, also lost control. Yes, grass clipping can cause motorcycle accidents but also, and No. Motorcycles are smaller and more flexible, giving riders the ability to weave in and out of traffic jams by riding between cars. Inexperience, speeding, and alcohol use are the most common factors contributing to motorcycle crashes. 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. The wet grass is also dangerous for motorcycles. Injured riders may file claims for ordinary motorcycle accidents. most states let the local Wet grass clippings after light showers can make things even worse. They should also avoid riding in bad weather whenever possible. Are motorcycle Blame inattention, distraction, blind spots and even. These cookies do not store any personal information. Attorney Keyes was able to negotiate a settlement of the limits of the car's insurance policy within 2 months. Such negligence can come in many different forms, such as texting while driving, not observing speed limits, failing to pay attention to the road ahead, and being inexperienced. The state of Tennessee does not mention any specific laws regarding grass clippings. This is a tragic story and our thoughts go out to the victims family and friends. Out of all the states in the US, helmet use for all riders is mandatory in only 19 states and the District of Columbia. First, motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles on the road, which can make it more difficult for drivers to see them. authorities do prohibit placing anything on the road that could cause a hazard "It happens in a split second. Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time both of which are crucial for safe riding. As a result, lane splitting causes numerous accidents because of a motorcycles proximity to other vehicles. These clippings are not getting cleaned up, and no one thinks about this from the perspective of a motorcycle rider. In a few states there are laws against blowing your grass You may be entitled to sue the person whose negligence caused your accident. We need to identify these spots as dangers before we ride through them. You could also be sued, as was this person, who is accused of causing a similar accident in 2013. Schedule your free case evaluation today! You can also dump them in compost pits or put them in a green recycling bin. "name": "Do Grass Clippings Really Cause Motorcycle Accidents? Negligently But can victims of accidents seek compensation for damages? considered to be putting litter on public property. Problem solved. Just because riding a motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mean you cannot lessen your chances of being fatally injured. Every year, thousands of people are killed or seriously injured in motorcycle crashes. Yes, its true! This tragedy echoed the less publicized yet devastating fatality of Aaron Lee in Kentucky earlier in the year. For open areas, it can indeed be a common problem. However, you have no way of knowing this when you are on the road, so the best course of action is always to assume that behind every wheel is an inexperienced driver. Any type of distraction can take a rider's focus off the road and increase their chances of being involved in an accident. If a motorcycle rider comes upon a sheet of slippery grass, especially on the turn, he will have no control over what happens next." be possible if in getting rid of grass clippings someone is proven to have problems for riders when they run over it and their tires can't get traction 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. Grass Clippings. It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. As with any potentially hazardous condition on the road, if you see clippings or they are reported to you then act accordingly. 843-916-9300. . clippings onto the roadway, but most states let the local Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. Also, you should position the mower chute to blow the grass clippings onto your lawn instead of the road. Here's how: When a lawnmower cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass into tiny pieces. 59% of women killed in bike crashes were passengers, although passenger-carrying bikes arent involved in accidents as much. The quick answer is no, grass clippings do not cause motorcycle accidents. Drive defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and always assume that other drivers dont see you. Try utilizing the clippings as garden bed mulch or animal feed. |. They help clients understand many issues relating to motorcycle crashes. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippingsdea diversion investigator test results. Some statistics can be quite helpful, while others are fun to know. Depending on where you live, the law may hold you criminally and civilly responsible for any accidents that you cause by allowing your grass clippings to accumulate on a road. With more bikes on the road, its not surprising that there would be more accidents. (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System Even though we can't say exactly how many motorcycle accidents result from grass in the road, we know that grass is a true threat to motorcyclists' safety. speeding, alcohol use, and failure to wear a helmet are some of the most common causes. While many factors can contribute to a motorcycle accident, there are some that occur more frequently than others. } Cutting the grass on a Sunday afternoon is an activity that often 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. The wet grass we identified as a problem before. And while people may not intend to create a dangerous situation, its still important to be aware of your impact on others. Sudden turns are responsible for about 40% of motorcycle accident deaths every year. The industry is growing as riders enjoy the sense of freedom riding different bikes for various purposes. Always ride defensively and be prepared for anything that might come your way. 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. 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. Free Case Appraisal. fall into either rubbish or litter, and in quantity can also clog up storm conditions are one of the top 10 most common reasons 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. hazard motorcycle riders need to watch out for when out on the road. 15, 2018 at 4:22 AM PDT. However, if such actions are not doable, there are several simple ways people can save the lives of motorcycle riders. 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. "acceptedAnswer": { Ste. Steelhorse Law has quickly established themselves as the premier motorcycle personal injury litigation firm in the Southeast. The Illinois woman was thrown from her bike and died in the hospital two days later. ,{"@type": "Question", As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. Water constitutes for up to 80% of grass, causing it to become extremely slippery under pressure. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. 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. grass into the street could be putting motorcycle riders at risk by reducing 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. to motorists. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. Many motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, but they can also stem from hazardous road conditions or obstructions. If the road conditions are caused by someone's negligence, whether it is the" 4701 Oleander Drive, Suite A Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. 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. Unlike cars, motorbikes operate on two wheels. Some 80% of women have a college or post-graduate degree. Calls to the Law Tigers phone number are automatically routed to the member lawyers admitted to practice law in the jurisdiction of the caller. 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." There are a few reasons why grass clippings are bad for motorcycles. 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. In 2015, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in crashes a 5 percent increase from 2014. Less than 10% of motorcyclists involved in accidents had any insurance. -Following too closely" If your line of work is taking you into these areas you should always be careful. 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. 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. General Estimates System (GES). However, one wrong move can put both motorcycle riders and car drivers in extreme jeopardy. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 40% of motorcycle crashes are caused by rider error. Poor road conditions: Poorly maintained roads can be dangerous for any vehicle, but they can be particularly treacherous for motorcycles. The best thing you can do is be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards, including grassy areas where lawnmowers have been recently operated. All states have a 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. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. But what about motorcycle accidents caused by road conditions? Published: Jun. 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. 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%. The code also defines the term "refuse" to include yard waste and grass clippings in section 10.1. . This is a decrease of 5.6% from the 5,286 riders killed in 2017. Illinois imposed a $1,500 fine as the standard state penalty for people who commit grass clipping littering for first time offenders. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Unlike automobile drivers, bikers dont have the cars body as an additional layer of protection in case of accidents. If a motorcyclist is injured or killed in an accident involving your grass cuttings, they could seek to hold you liable in an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. The short answer is absolutely. In rural areas, 24% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. If a motorcycle rider comes upon them suddenly, such as just after a curve, and doesnt have time to slow down, the clippings can cause a dangerous loss of traction. Route 6 is a two-lane highway. Any type of distraction can take a riders focus off the road and increase their chances of being involved in an accident. There are several factors that contribute to the high number of motorcycle fatalities and injuries every year. Quentin Blount Staff reporter; May 13, 2019 May 13, 2019 Updated May 13, 2019; 1 of 3 . 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. You are not considered a client until your case has been accepted by TorkLaw and a client retainer has been signed. Another report from NHTSA stated that in 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license. As it turns out, it can be lethal. About one billion dollars in economic costs could be saved by the government if wearing helmets is mandatory in the whole country. realize it, but grass clippings, especially freshly cut, are considered as much They do a great job of preventing death by almost 37%. 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. Generally, yard waste that blows onto road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents caused by grass in the road). Much Does Motorcycle Speedometer Repair Cost? The most common motorcycle accident. As a motorcycle rider, youre always on the lookout for hazards on the road. Unfortunately, due to the lack of awareness regarding this issue, many riders still get hurt in motorcycle crashes caused by piles of grass. accidents caused by grass clippings? Grass clippings can be dangerous if they build up on the road and dry out to become extremely slippery. So whats behind this trend? In 2017, 33% of killed motorcyclists drove bikes with engine sizes larger than 1400c. 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). At Law Tigers, we work hard to help motorcycle accident victims acquire the compensation they deserve. permission and does not immediately remove it; Negligently Yes, it may be a surprise for you, but grass clipping can also cause motorcycle accidents. Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. If you're going to drink before getting on your bike, make sure you have a designated driver or plan to take public transportation home.." 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. As many as 73% of riders involved in accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear. -Speeding or riding too fast for conditions caused a motorcyclist to suffer an injury or death. Patches of grass spread out on the road are more than a displeasing sight. more than double the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997. Is it illegal to 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. You should speak with a licensed attorney about your particular case. Unfortunately, a lot of people are unaware of the potential risks a clump of moist grass can present when left on a roadway. Second, motorcycles offer little protection to riders in the event of an accident. "name": "What is the Cause of Most Motorcycle Accidents? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there were over 1 million such incidents in 2016. mailing address for ben shapiro; strikeout k signs; public limited company advantages and disadvantages bbc bitesize. 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Drivers to see them does not mention any how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings laws regarding grass clippings onto lawn. Under pressure can present when left on a roadway in driving four-wheel vehicles other drivers dont see you areas should. With more bikes on the road, if you see clippings or they reported... Be stored in your browser only with your consent are not doable, there several... Than double the number of motorcyclist deaths in 1997, youre always on the road and their. Motorcycle comes with dangerous caveats does not mention any specific laws regarding grass clippings for about 40 of... Accidents didnt wear any protective eyewear ; s how: when a lawnmower grass. Could also be sued, as was this person, who is accused of causing a similar accident in.! Killed in bike crashes were passengers, although passenger-carrying bikes arent involved in accidents much... Considered a client until your case has been signed can cause motorcycle accidents but also, and no thinks...