Dangerous ‘Road Moss’ Showing Up on New York Roads

Have you heard about "road moss" yet? It can be extremely dangerous to drivers if it's not eliminated!

If you do any driving on New York roads, you already know that there are a bunch of things that you need to be aware of while traveling. Other drivers, weather, wildlife, pedestrians, and potholes are some of the common things drivers need to look out for, but did you know that there is another hazard that all drivers should be aware of?

Summer Road Moss Season in New York

The folks at the Town of North Greenbush Police Department (NGPD) in Upstate New York recently issued a warning to area residents highlighting something that has begun to appear on roads across New York. NGPD posted the warning on Facebook, saying,

"New York Summer Road Moss is in full bloom in our area. You’ve most likely seen it out there. It springs up across the roadway about this time of year, even on curves. This stuff is dangerous to the motorcycles on our roadways because it is impossible to maintain traction on. It’s actually worse than potholes because you can at least drive around a pothole while patches of NYSRM cover entire lanes for a long distance, sometimes up to 20 feet!"

 

What is Summer Road Moss?

Yes, the NGPD has come up with a fun and creative way to remind anyone mowing the grass this summer to make sure the road is clear from grass clippings (road moss). If you mow your lawn, you should never blow the clippings out onto the roadway! If you do it, did you know that you are breaking the law and could receive a ticket? New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law §1220 prohibits depositing anything on a roadway, which includes grass clippings.

SEE ALSO: Dangerous Fish is Back in New York

Thank you, NGPD, for a fun and unique reminder that grass clippings on the road are dangerous! If you mow this summer, please make sure you clean up after you're done so we can keep our local roads safe.