Grass on road blamed for crash

[Challenger]

https://newschannel20.com/news/local/husband-blames-grass-clippings-in-wifes-motorcycle-death
This happened a few miles from us. With all the rain we have had, the ditches have been too wet to mow. Now that the mowing has started the grass is really tall and huge amounts are been thrown onto the road ways. Be CAREFUL out there!   

[Gryphon Rider]

He blames grass clippings, but it's apparent after reading the report that the reality is she rear-ended him when he, the leader of a group ride, slowed down while signalling his group to ride single file.  When you signal your group to ride single file, changing from staggered formation effectively halves every rider's following distance until they each fall back to a proper distance.  By slowing at the same time, he exacerbated the problem, making himself a contributor to, if not the main cause of, her crash.

[Bighead]

He blames grass clippings, but it's apparent after reading the report that the reality is she rear-ended him when he, the leader of a group ride, slowed down while signalling his group to ride single file.  When you signal your group to ride single file, changing from staggered formation effectively halves every rider's following distance until they each fall back to a proper distance.  By slowing at the same time, he exacerbated the problem, making himself a contributor to, if not the main cause of, her crash.

Agreed but lawn clippings thrown into the roadway is against the law in many areas. And should be in all areas.

[Jess from VA]

It really doesn't bother me and doesn't happen much on the main fairly straight roads.

It happens out in the country on curvy two lanes.  You come around the corner peppy, and crap the road is bright green.  I've passed guys mowing their drainage ditches on the roadside, blowing it up on the road, and turn my head away so I don't get a rock in the face. 

Treat it like ice, sand, gas, oil..... no gas, no brakes, no sudden turns.

[Moonshot_1]

He blames grass clippings, but it's apparent after reading the report that the reality is she rear-ended him when he, the leader of a group ride, slowed down while signalling his group to ride single file.  When you signal your group to ride single file, changing from staggered formation effectively halves every rider's following distance until they each fall back to a proper distance.  By slowing at the same time, he exacerbated the problem, making himself a contributor to, if not the main cause of, her crash.

Totally agree with your assessment. Nothing in the story suggests that the grass itself was an issue.
Grass in the road is a hazard, sure, but so is road kill, chip seal, drivers on the phone, the list is near endless.

Keep your eyes peeled and head on a swivel.

[Willow]

...
Treat it like ice, sand, gas, oil..... no gas, no brakes, no sudden turns.

And no sudden slowing with a rider too close behind you.  His fault.  Her skill level.

[Chrisj CMA]

He blames grass clippings, but it's apparent after reading the report that the reality is she rear-ended him when he, the leader of a group ride, slowed down while signalling his group to ride single file.  When you signal your group to ride single file, changing from staggered formation effectively halves every rider's following distance until they each fall back to a proper distance.  By slowing at the same time, he exacerbated the problem, making himself a contributor to, if not the main cause of, her crash.

Well, I agree that leader made some mistakes, unless he slammed on brakes unexpectedly his wife should have been able to keep a safe distance.

As the leader it is normal to try to warn the following bikes of road hazards. Single file is not appropriate preparation for the hazard. He should have given the hand to the pavement signal for slowing then point down to say danger here

[da prez]

  Several years ago on a fall color ride in Missouri , A back road was covered with so much grass that the road was not visible.  It should have been baled.  It is dangerous and illegal.

                                     da prez

[Tx Bohemian]

One of my pet peeves!!
People throwing grass clippings onto the road when mowing!

Not only is it a hazard (more-so for bikers) it just looks bad!

I thought it was just inconsiderate people in my area but seeing this thread and the picture "Jess from VA" posted evidently it's a common issue.