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Lawn mowers, even Grandpa's, are no place for children
Comment: What is your best child safety tip?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
A few weeks ago, I wrote about the lax rules and fun things that apply to being a grandparent. I attributed many wonderful things to grandparents including, "rides on the big lawn mower."
Oops.
Extras
While the commentary was meant to be light-hearted, one reader made a valid point. "Your comment about 'rides on the big lawn mower' was completely irresponsible. The riding lawn mower, as everyone should know, is absolutely no place for a child."
This person happens to work as an emergency dispatcher and a few days before to reading this column, took a heart-wrenching call.
"A 3-year-old lost a foot due to a big lawn mower," the reader informed me.
I did not intend to imply that lawn mowers are "play things."
My heart goes out to the injured child and his family.
"Children are treated each summer for cuts, burns and eye injuries as a result of lawn mower accidents," said Dr. Tom Krzmarzick, medical director of the regional pediatric trauma and emergency center at The Children's Medical Center of Dayton.
At home, we only allow the boys to be on the riding mower when the blades are not turning. However, the thought of burns from the exhaust, shamefully, never crossed my mind.
"Children are often injured by lawn mowers because adults are not following simple safety precautions," Krzmarzick said.
Blinded by watching my boys' faces light up while zipping around the yard on a John Deere, I plead guilty to this charge. I should have sought out further, precautionary information before allowing my tractor-crazy kids the pleasure of a mower ride.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that children not operate a push-lawn mower until they are at least 12 years old and never be a passenger on a riding lawn mower, let alone operate one, until the age of 16.
In 2007, more than 16,000 children younger than 19 were treated for lawn mower related injuries according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
"Although we don't treat a large number of children for lawn mowing injuries, the injured children we do see often suffer serious disfiguring and life-altering injuries," said Lisa Schwing, a nurse at Dayton Children's Hospital.
Krzmarzick said many children also suffer amputations of fingers, toes or limbs because of lawn mowers.
Thank you to the reader who brought this seasonal topic to the forefront.
"Too many accidents occur by riding with adults or just being around a mower in use. There are far more fun and safe things grandparents are known for with anticipation."
In wanting to see our children enjoy things in life, their safety has to be our No. 1 priority.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0356 or dmjordan@coxohio.com.
Comments
By Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
July 20, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man is here today so that yard accidents go away. Please visit http://www.rescuerick.com for additional information. Be yard safe!
By jmc
June 18, 2008 12:34 AM | Link to this
im a grandparent and my grandson loves to rlde on the mower and i do go slow. and i will let him ride on it as long as i live
By carrie
June 17, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
No you cannot keep children in a padded room, but you have to be smart. I am a nurse and have taken care of MANY children whose limbs have literally been hanging by a thread, and several who have lost limbs. No matter how safe you think you are being, children and lawnmowers are unpredictable. Do the best thing for them and keep them away while cutting grass!!
By carrie
June 17, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
No you cannot keep children in a padded room, but you have to be smart. I am a nurse and have taken care of MANY children whose limbs have literally been hanging by a thread, and several who have lost limbs. No matter how safe you think you are being, children and lawnmowers are unpredictable. Do the best thing for them and keep them away while cutting grass!!
By Reynardo
June 17, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this
No, you can’t have 100% control over anything. Just lock up your kids in a padded room. For God’s sake, don’t let them ride in a car. Or ride a bike or go to an amusement park.
I’ll take my chances in my own back yard over any of those situations.
By Kelly
June 17, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I’m sure many of those parents and GRANDPARENTS who gave those injured kids a ride THOUGHT they were in control of the situation. Accidents happen even in the BEST controlled situations. Just don’t do it!
By Roy D Mercer
June 17, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this
No matter how safe you think you are, you cannot have 100% control of any situation!
By Reynardo
June 17, 2008 10:25 AM | Link to this
You cannot legislate stupidity. My Grandchildren will continue to enjoy my tractor under safe and controlled conditions.
Unlike the examples you mentioned. I suspect those types of Parents are unsafe under any conditions.