Lawn Mower Accidents are the Leading Cause of Amputations for Children

Riding a lawn mower with children or around children is dangerous. There have been efforts to educate parents on these dangers. However, lawn mowing accidents involving children losing toes, fingers and limbs continue to increase. What begins as a day out in the yard, enjoying the sunshine and getting up-to-date with lawn maintenance can end in tragedy. 

“In one review by Trautwein et al. on pediatric trauma patients, it was seen that 22% were caused by lawn mower injuries and 16% by motor vehicle related injuries.”

Innovative solutions, such as the global effort known as the e-NABLE devices community is providing hope for children who have lost a hand in a mowing accident. Members of the community use their 3D printers to provide free 3D printed hands and arms. However, members of the community would much rather see a reduction in accidents that result in children suffering injuries, including amputation of limbs.

Lawn Mower Safety & Children

Mowing the lawn may seem like a simple task, but it takes more than just pushing or riding a mower. If you think your child is ready to mow the lawn, make sure he or she is properly prepared. You shouldn’t let a child younger than 12 mow the lawn. When it comes to a ride-on mower, 16 is the general age where a child is responsible enough to take on the job with guidance.

Review mower instructions with your child and go over safety tips for operating the mower. Most importantly, ensure that your child practices shutting off the mower quickly. Even if you think your child is confident using the mower, keep a close eye on them until such time as you are sure.

Younger children need protected when a mower is being used, regardless of who is behind the wheel. Always know where young children are when you are moving. Keeping younger children inside and supervised is ideal. Do not allow young children to operate or ride on a ride-on mower. The same applies to pulling a child in a cart or trailer behind the mower.

Mowers likely look like fun to children, so teach them that it is not a toy and they should not attempt to use it as such. If possible, keep your mower stored and locked in a shed or garage that children can’t access. Keep ride-on mower keys in a safe place, out of reach of children.

If your child was involved in a lawn mower accident due to the negligence of another party, call the offices of Thomas C. Rowsey for experienced legal consultation.