Kids & Riding Lawn Mowers

Riding lawn mowers can pose a health threat to children.

A riding lawn mower can save considerable time and effort if you have a large yard or field that requires frequent mowing. The machines vary in size, but all ride-on mowers seem large to kids. The temptation of climbing atop a riding mower to play may be too much for some children. Ride-on equipment of this kind can contribute to tragedy when not used correctly.

Injury Statistics

Up to 16,000 children are injured each year in accidents involving ride-on lawn mowers, according to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission. Injuries range from bruises and broken bones sustained from falling off the mower to the amputation of fingers and limbs from being run over by the machine's blades. Fatalities can occur, and other serious injuries can require the work of maxillofacial and plastic surgeons, orthopedists and a whole host of specialists to help kids return to as normal a life as possible.

AAP Recommendations

Each June, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other professional medical associations join together to educate the public about the potentially lethal mix of children and riding lawn mowers. As part of the public education campaign, the AAP makes recommendations pertaining to the use of ride-on lawn equipment. Children should be at least 16 years old in order to drive a riding mower. Kids younger than 16 should not ride on a mower at all, even with a driver who is old enough to operate the equipment, because of the risk of falling off the equipment. Adolescent and adult drivers can reduce the risk of foot injuries by wearing athletic shoes or boots rather than open-toed sandals while operating a riding lawn mower. Adults should perform all of the tasks associated with the mower, including setting the blades and filling the machine with gasoline.

Safety Tips

Safety for adults and teens who are authorized to operate a riding lawn mower is of utmost importance. Mow in daylight, using clear plastic protective lenses so you can see the people around you; children who run out to talk to you while you work may not be easily seen in the dark or through tall grasses. Ask your children to pick up their toys, bicycles and other playthings from the mowing area to help prevent injury. Small toys such as dolls and jump ropes may be hidden in the grass and can fly up during mowing, potentially hurting anyone who is nearby. Set up a "safety zone" for your kids while you mow. For example, tell small children that they must stay on the porch or in the driveway while you are riding the mower and must wait until you have disembarked from the equipment before approaching you in the yard or field.

Considerations

Adults sometimes refer to new cars or tools as "toys," but this can be confusing to a small child who does not understand the power and possible danger associated with a riding lawn mower. To avoid confusion that could lead to catastrophic accidents, reserve the term "toy" for actual playthings.

References

• University of Michigan Health System: Lawn Mower Safety Can Save Life and Limb This Summer; Krista Hopson; June 2, 2003
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Riding Lawnmowers
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Warning: Lawn Mowers Can Be Dangerous; June 2009