When most people think about accidents, the leading cause of death for kids at just about all ages, they usually think about car accidents, drownings, poisonings, fires, falls and gun accidents. It is also important to be aware that there are many other hidden dangers that can lead to accidents and tragedies.
Especially during the spring and summer, lawn mower accidents can be a big problem. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates that about 17,000 children require care in the emergency room each year because of lawn mower accidents.
Lawn Mower Safety
Keith Brandt, MD, President of the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM), states that "lawn mower injuries to children are easily preventable." He advises that "children should remain inside the house or under the direct supervision of another adult, whenever a lawn mower is being used. If no other adult is available, create a danger zone of 20 feet around the mower. Shut down immediately if anyone enters the danger zone."
To keep your kids safe when you are mowing the lawn, also consider these safety tips:
- Don't let your kids use a walk-behind power mower or hand mower until they are at least 12-years-old.
- Avoid letting teens use ride-on mowers until they are at least 16-years-old.
- Young children must not be allowed to play in or be adjacent to areas where lawn mowers are being used.
- Children younger than 6 years should be kept indoors during mowing.
- Don't mow in reverse. If you absolutely have to, make sure no kids are around and look carefully behind you the whole time.
Most important, don't let your child ride on your lap while you are mowing the lawn. Many injuries occur when kids fall off and then get run over.
Sources:
American Academy of Pediatrics Technical Report. Lawn Mower-Related Injuries to Children Pediatrics. Vol. 107 No. 6 June 2001, p. e106
American Academy of Pediatrics. Steer Children Clear of Lawn Mover Injuries. Accessed June 2011.
Consumer Product Safety Commission. Riding Lawnmowers. Document #588. Accessed May 2011.
