Are grass clippings hazardous?

Who knew that mowing the grass could bring up such a complex topic?

While Indiana does not have a specific law about blowing grass clippings on the roads, many cities and towns, including Brazil, have ordinances/regulations prohibiting this.

According to the records on file with American Legal Publishing (http://www.brazil.in.gov/), an ordinance pertaining to this subject has been on file for several years and can be enforced by the Brazil Police Department.

A summation of Ordinance #4-2016, which includes grass clippings and leaves) blown onto the street and sidewalks cause a public safety hazard when wet, becoming slippery, and could cause pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and two-wheeled vehicles to wreck.

Additionally, grass clippings and leaves can wash into the storm drain system, creating a build-up in the drains and possibly flooding roadways.

A household chore that may seem totally harmless could also have potential financial consequences due to concerns of negligence and liability for paying medical bills for someone injured.

ORDINANCE VIOLATION

Like all city ordinances, the Brazil Police Department is responsible for issuing citations.

If cited for violating a city ordinance, officials say the penalty is progressive within a calendar year.

EXAMPLE: A first offense is $100, the second is $150, and the third and each offense thereafter is $300.

GRASS CLIPPINGS & DEATH

As odd as it sounds, it does happen.

An Illinois man was imposed a $1,500 fine as a standard penalty when he left grass clippings on the road and faced accusations of causing a motorcycle accident in 2013.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), reports motorcycle accidents involving grass clippings have soared to 40% in recent years. Other data available includes:

Over 1,500 accidents nationwide were linked directly to grass clippings in the past year alone.

75% of these accidents resulted in severe injuries or fatalities.

Rural areas account for nearly 70% of all grass-clipping-related accidents.

The most recent data regarding fatal accidents includes:

AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS

Anything that comes between tires (including wheelchairs or shoes) and the ground can cause a loss of traction for vehicles and potentially people. In recent years, many agencies have raised awareness of this danger.

PERSONAL STORY

Two years ago, Bill Stearns was in an accident involving grass clippings that left him with major hand injuries requiring surgery, titanium pins, and even more months of physical therapy.

“I know what it is to slide on loose grass on the road,” said Stearns, who said the scars remind him daily. “Even if you plan to come back and blow it out of the road, a bike can come by before you clean it up. Even if you do not ride, I bet you know someone that does.”

Stearns sponsored this story because it is important for everyone to know the information.

“It could save a life,” he said.