(1) NHTSA estimates alcohol involvement when alcohol test results are unknown. 61% of deaths from motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas. fall into either rubbish or litter, and in quantity can also clog up storm 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. how many motorcycle accidents caused by grass clippings . In addition, there were 88,000 motorcycle riders injured in traffic accidents in 2018. Original 111. JEFFERSON, Wis. - After a motorcyclist's death over the state line in Illinois earlier this week, riders in the Madison area are sharing a plea that could sa. Many experts consider freshly cut grass clippings as hazardous as sand, gravel, or similar substances. So, always check your blind spot before switching lanes or making turns. The risk of other foot injuries is also reduced by 45%. If a motorcyclist is unable to avoid the clippings by slowing down or switching lanes, it could lead to a motorcycle accident. } By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Car drivers often make errors in judgment when making turns. slippery to motorcycle riders as. 59% of women killed in bike crashes were passengers, although passenger-carrying bikes arent involved in accidents as much. { 843-916-9300. . (Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? Breaking Down Accidents Caused by Debris in the Road. For example roadsides near suburbs or places with yards full of trees and grass. Vehicle miles traveled - USDOT, Federal Highway Administration, revised by NHTSA; Registered passenger cars and light trucks - R.L. Joined: Jul 28, 2016 Messages: 7,824 Likes Received: . Over the years, several reports and studies have proven that motorcycles are a dangerous form of transportation. 12, 2019 at 7:01 PM PDT. Get motorcycle legal tips and upcoming industry events, and giveaways. Take a few minutes to read some of the most staggering motorbike statistics. 3/4 of bike accidents involve other vehicles, while only 1/4 are single-vehicle accidents. 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. 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. Because of the extreme physical and mental coordination needed to ride a motorcycle, you would think that riders will always have the common sense to not ride after drinking. are no state laws that specifically ban the practice of getting rid of grass The wet grass is also dangerous for motorcycles. 22% of female bikers are Generation X, while 26% of them are Millennials. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. They are also less visible to other drivers and pedestrians and less stable than four-wheel vehicles. While motorcycle riders are more likely to be involved in fatal road mishaps, several measures can ensure safety during the ride. In addition, in some states, it is illegal to dispose of lawn debris on roads because it blocks street drains and pollutes the environment. The man, who has not yet been identified, was riding his motorcycle on a rural road near the town of Laconia, New Hampshire, when the accident occurred. Unfortunately, it is possible that these crashes will be fatal or produce very serious injuries. 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. considered to be putting litter on public property. to motorists. Some have even compared freshly cut grass on the road as 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. 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. They may also fail to notice that a motorcycle is turning left and could hit them. Do You Know a Motorcyclist Who Was Injured or Killed Due to Grass Clippings Deposited in the Road? 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. This means that almost one-third of all riders who were killed in crashes had been drinking prior to getting on their bike. The law requires homeowners to remove any clippings that end up on the road as quickly as possible. Any type of distraction can take a rider's focus off the road and increase their chances of being involved in an accident. 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. Fatalities are more common in motorcycle accidents than in any other road incident. Water constitutes for up to 80% of grass, causing it to become extremely slippery under pressure. places or throws glass or other dangerous substances on or adjacent to water to If your grass clippings kill motorcyclists or cause a motorcycle accident, you will be the one held responsible. Almost half of those deaths happened on weekends. "name": "What is the Cause of Most Motorcycle Accidents? General Estimates System (GES). Many lawn care specialists suggest leaving grass clippings to decompose on your lawn. And finally, they should always obey the speed limit and never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Nearly 20% of riders are women, and that number is increasing all the time. Motorcyclists are always on the lookout for dangerous road interferences such as oil slicks, frozen puddles, rocks, and potholes. 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 NHTSA reports that alcohol use is a factor in approximately 37% of all fatal motorcycle accidents each year. Lets take a closer look at each of these: Speeding: According to NHTSA data, 37% of fatally-injured motorcycle riders in 2015 were speeding at the time of the accident. Past results are not guaranteed of future outcomes, every case is different. If they can't switch lanes, avoid parked cars on a street or The Illinois woman was thrown from her bike and died in the hospital two days later. Wet grass can really cause These pieces of grass are then blown onto the street or roadway. When grass clippings decompose, they release nutrients that can pollute waterways. 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. But did you know that something as innocuous as grass clippings can be a danger to motorcyclists? In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. In summer months, lawn trimmings can be as In addition, 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2015. Additionally, speeding makes it more difficult for other motorists to see motorcycles which can also lead to accidents.. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Mississippi has the most fatal motorcycle accidents, followed by Texas and South Carolina. "@context": "https://schema.org", 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. First and foremost, grass is 85% water content which makes it highly slippery. The extent of injuries they sustain differs from case to case. If you go to a place where there is grass and bring a motorcycle you will see that clippings are everywhere. Motorcycle accidents caused by lawn mowers and other garden equipment are among the most common types of crashes in the United States. The most common motorcycle accident. 13 Things To Be Aware Of On A Motorcycle. 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. Five Year Historical Report. Almost half of all fatal accidents showed alcohol present. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed in crashes in the United States in 2015. Another safe option is to use a leaf blower to clean up the road after trimming. NCSA has also changed the methodology of estimating people nonfatally injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes. As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. This causes the motorcyclist to lose control and can lead to a wreck. Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. Clippings reduce traction, which causes loss of control, which causes an accident. Negligently While nothing can guarantee you safety, your odds of surviving a crash are much higher when you wear adequate riding gear. Most accidents occur on short trips, usually at the very beginning. The Dangers Of Grass Clippings . Whether it is a free case review or representing you in court, our legal team is here to help you. Prior results do not guarantee a similar result or predict the outcome of any future case. generally adjust their speed in time, they could lose control and have a motorcycle accident caused by grass clippings. Most people don't Motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States, but they account for 14% of all road-related fatalities. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. } Even dry lawn debris creates a barrier between the concrete and tires which makes it more difficult to maneuver a motorbike. be possible if in getting rid of grass clippings someone is proven to have Many motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, but they can also stem from hazardous road conditions or obstructions. Rough or bumpy roads Cracked roads or potholes Uneven road surfaces Soft shoulders Loose gravel or rubble Debris in the road Grass clippings Wet or oily pavement Snow or ice Missing guardrails or barriers Faded pavement markings Obstructed street signs Some states ban the practice of blowing grass clippings into the road. 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. 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. So, while some statistics might not seem important, others can be quite helpful. "@type": "Answer", In 2017, motorcycle riders were 27 times more likely than car drivers and passengers to die in motorcycle-related accidents per mile traveled. For this reason, feel free to share some of these with your fellow riders to spread awareness and interesting facts. For one thing, grass clippings and other lawn debris can clog storm drains and cause water pollution. This is significantly higher than the 33% of car accidents that involved high and drunk drivers. increase in 1998 and continued to increase through 2008. Most riders who cause an accident have already been involved in at least one in the past. "acceptedAnswer": { Motorcycle accidents can be caused by a host of varied circumstances. grass into the street could be putting motorcycle riders at risk by reducing Grass Clippings. 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. 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. 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. This is also happening on state highways. The most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic. Another report from NHTSA stated that in 2016, 27% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes did not have a valid license. May 23, 2022 . In 2013, an Illinois man who left grass clippings on the road faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident. (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System As such, it represents a similar risk for motorcycles as a sheet of ice. Do you know where a helmet impact occurs the most? In 2020, Wisconsin was estimated to have over 275,000 registered motorcyclists on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,985 motorcycle riders killed in traffic crashes in 2018. Motorcycle accidents are not always caused by the negligence of riders or other drivers sharing the road. Motorcycles are by their nature far less crashworthy than closed vehicles. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. Motorcycle protective clothing reduces the chance of open-wound injuries, as stated by the George Institute for Global Health. road pavement presents safety hazards and may cause (motorcycle accidents Grass clippings on roads reduce a motorcycles traction and can lead to a loss of control for the driver. As it turns out, it can be lethal. All Rights Reserved. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When the grass is wet, its challenging to find grip on any surfaces, especially those which are not as smooth as tarmac roads. Electric motorcycles are becoming more popular as the more sustainable way of enjoying riding. Here's how: When a lawnmower cuts grass, the blades chop up the grass into tiny pieces. And while people may not intend to create a dangerous situation, its still important to be aware of your impact on others. In 2021, there were 8,648 motorcycle crashes in Florida, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), with 620 fatalities as a result. lakes within this state. 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 . 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