HARRISBURG – In recognition of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) will introduce legislation that would help prevent one of the most dangerous and preventable hazards for motorcyclists: grass clippings on roadways.
Grass clippings can cause the surface of the roadway to become extremely slippery, and a number of motorcycle accidents and deaths have been attributed to grass clippings. Grass on roadways can also clog storm drains and contribute to run-off pollution into streams.
“Prohibiting grass clippings from roadways is an easy, commonsense solution to a deadly problem,” Bartolotta said. “Land owners have a right to manage and maintain their property as they see fit, but they also have a responsibility to ensure they do not create a lethal hazard for other motorists on public roadways by being negligent.”
Bartolotta’s bill would treat offenses related to grass clippings on roadways in the same way as waste paper, sweepings, ashes, household waste, glass, metal, refuse and other rubbish deposited on roads. Fines would range from $50 to $300 for a first offense, and $300 to $1,000 for a subsequent offense. In either case, offenders would also be required to have the clippings removed from the road.
CONTACT: Colleen Greer (717) 787-1463