Do Grass Clippings Cause Motorcycle Accidents?

Mowing the lawn on a Sunday afternoon is a simple enough activity. After hours of working in the sun, you're ready to clean up the clippings and call it a day. However, it's crucial to be mindful of where these clippings end up. Without thinking, you might sweep or blow the grass into the street. But doing so can create a danger that most people are unaware of. Homeowners and landscaping maintenance crews may not realize that sending freshly cut grass into the street could put motorcycle riders at risk by making it harder for them to maintain traction.

For a motorcycle, grass clippings on the road mean trouble. Because they make it hard to gain traction, the chances of a crash increase tenfold. What happens if you've been in an accident involving clippings? Steelhorse Law is here to explain it all.

The Dangers of Cut Grass

Yard waste that blows onto pavement creates safety hazards and may lead to motorcycle accidents. Most people are unaware that grass clippings, especially when freshly cut, are considered just as hazardous by authorities. Just like gravel, sand, or similar substances, grass clippings can cause a motorcyclist to lose traction.

During summer, lawn trimmings can be just as slippery for motorcycle riders as hitting winter ice on the road. Some even compare freshly cut grass on the pavement to an oil slick. Riders can suddenly find themselves in danger when they ride over the slick grass clippings, especially if they are going fast.

Do Wet Grass Clippings Cause Motorcycle Accidents?

Slippery road conditions are among the top 10 most common reasons why riders experience accidents on the road. Wet grass can cause serious problems for riders when they go over it and their tires can't grip the surface — especially if their tires aren't in good condition. Unless a biker can identify early that a section of the road is covered with grass clippings, it may be too late to adjust speed or change lanes to avoid an accident safely. If they can't switch lanes, avoid parked cars, or adjust their speed in time, they could lose control and have a grass clippings motorcycle accident. It's another hazard motorcycle riders need to watch out for when they are on the road.

Is It Illegal to Blow Grass Into the Road?

So, is it illegal to mow grass into the road in Tennessee? Although there are no state laws that specifically prohibit the disposal of grass clippings by depositing them into the roadway, some local government authorities do ban placing anything on the road that could pose a hazard to drivers.

In a May 2024 article, the Cooperstown Police Department issued a reminder to residents to exercise caution when mowing near roads, as it could create a hazard for bicyclists. The article also indicated Tennessee Code Annotated 55-8170 as a reminder that it is against the law to place any hazardous items on the roadway.

Does Tennessee Have Rules About Grass Clippings?

In Tennessee, there are no laws specifically addressing the transfer of grass clippings onto the road. However, the law does cover littering in general, which is the most relevant area of law for grass clippings on a highway and motorcycles. The Tennessee statute on littering states that it can someone who litters is defined as someone who:

• Knowingly places, drops, or throws litter on any public or private property without permission and does not immediately remove it;
• Negligently places or throws glass or other dangerous substances on or adjacent to water to which the public has access for swimming or wading, or on or within fifty feet (50-) of a public highway; or
• Negligently discharges sewage, minerals, oil products, or litter into any public waters or lakes within this state.

All states have a criminal penalty structure for littering. As of 2024, Tennessee statute 39-14-504 classifies criminal littering as:

• Criminal littering is littering in an amount more than five pounds (5 lbs.) in weight or seven and one-half (7.5) cubic feet in volume and less than or equal to ten pounds (10 lbs.) in weight or fifteen (15) cubic feet in volume.
• Criminal littering is a Class B misdemeanor.
• In addition to the penalties established in this section, the court shall require a person convicted under this section to remove litter from the state or local highway system, public playgrounds, public parks, or other appropriate public locations for not more than eighty (80) hours. The court, in its discretion, may also require a person convicted under this section to work in a recycling center or other appropriate location for any stated period not to exceed eight (8) hours.

Can You Sue for an Accident Caused by Grass Clippings?

Grass clippings that end up in trash or litter can also clog storm sewer systems. Therefore, depositing grass into the street could be considered littering on public property. This could lead to legal action if, while disposing of grass clippings, someone is proven to have caused a motorcyclist to be injured or killed. It's essential to be aware of the potential legal consequences of such actions and to dispose of grass clippings responsibly.

Grass Clipping Accident? Call Steelhorse.

Grass clippings and motorcycles don't mix well. What starts as a routine ride can quickly turn dangerous if an unaware motorcyclist hits loose grass clippings on the road. As a rider out for a cruise, your best bet is to exercise extreme caution and stay alert for potential road hazards. Remember, it's not just about your safety, but also about the safety of others on the road.

If you were involved in a motorcycle accident and grass clippings were on the road at the time, it could have affected the riding conditions. Contact Steelhorse Law to learn more.