Joyce E. Portik
Recently, I came across an article regarding a young man who had wrecked his motorcycle when he drove across fresh grass clipping that were on the road. That article included a picture of the back and arms of this young man which shows the devastating road rash burns covering the majority of these areas. Thank goodness he was wearing a helmet which protected his head and face but I’m confident it is going to be a long recovery road for him.
This made me wonder — I personally never thought about the mower’s discharge throwing grass clipping on the road and the dangers it posed. I’m aware now and this is the source for this article.
I’ve noticed that Clay County roads are lined with the familiar hum of lawnmowers as we work to keep our yards neat and green adding to the well-kept charm to our rural neighborhoods. Blowing or leaving grass clippings in the roadway might seem harmless, but it is a serious safety concern, particularly for those traveling on two wheels. Freshly cut grass acts very much like black ice when spread across paved surfaces. For motorcycles, which rely heavily on traction for stability, even a thin layer of clippings can cause a rider to lose control, potentially leading to devastating crashes.
Motorcycles, unlike cars, only have two points of contact with the ground, and that limited contact is crucial. When grass clippings are left on the road, they can obscure hazards like potholes, oil spots or gravel and they reduce the tire grip needed to make safe turns or stops. Riders may find their tires suddenly sliding out from under them when they hit a patch of clippings — often with no time to react.
It might seem like just a little grass, but to someone on a bike, it can be deadly. Beyond the danger it poses, blowing grass onto the roadway is illegal in many areas and can lead to fines. In North Carolina, while not explicitly addressed in state statutes, grass blown into the road may fall under local littering or public hazard ordinances. It can also open property owners up to liability in the event of an accident caused by the debris.
The solution is simple and responsible: always direct your mower discharge away from the road or use a grass-catching attachment. If clippings do reach the pavement, take a few moments to blow or sweep them back onto your lawn or into a compost pile.
Our community prides itself on being courteous and respectful of our neighbors. This includes ensuring our yard work doesn’t endanger those who enjoy the roads — especially our motorcyclists, who are at greatest risk from something as seemingly harmless as a bit of grass.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Let’s keep our roads clean and our riders safe.
Email: joyceportik@gmail. com.