Age important in operating lawn equipment
I read with great concern the article regarding an 8-year-old's recent injuries while on a riding mower (“8-year-old boy injured in mowing accident Friday,” April 18).
Although it revealed some statistics regarding the number of such injuries nationwide, what the account did not say was that the American Academy of Pediatrics has consistently recommended that “the minimum age of operation of lawn mowers by children is at least 16 years for ride-on mowers and at least 12 years for walk-behind power mowers and hand mowers.” (See “Lawn Mower-Related Injuries to Children,” Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol 107, No. 6, June 1, 2001.)
I hope that more parents will now realize this is a dangerous practice, and will be aware of and follow the AAP's recommendations.
Denise Lockett
Although it revealed some statistics regarding the number of such injuries nationwide, what the account did not say was that the American Academy of Pediatrics has consistently recommended that “the minimum age of operation of lawn mowers by children is at least 16 years for ride-on mowers and at least 12 years for walk-behind power mowers and hand mowers.” (See “Lawn Mower-Related Injuries to Children,” Committee on Injury and Poison Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, Vol 107, No. 6, June 1, 2001.)
I hope that more parents will now realize this is a dangerous practice, and will be aware of and follow the AAP's recommendations.
Denise Lockett