While this photo does not show children on the laps of operators while mowing a lawn it could be accompanied by a warning for those of us who might see it and then go mow our lawns with our children in tow or on our laps.

The public needs to be aware of how an injury can occur.

A small child can easily fall from the drivers lap.  Even the most careful best intentioned adult who is responsible and vigilant and would never do anything to endanger a small child can lose their grip.  You don't see many kids riding down the highway on the drivers lap.  While we don't expect accidents, they can occur.

However the most common way a child is hurt by a riding mower is not by falling off, but getting run over by the mower. Surprisingly, backing up over a child is the most common way a child is run over by a riding mower.  So keep your children inside especially if they are under six years.

REMEMBER, Adults are injured more often than children

For tips concerning power and riding mower safety:

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons information from their web site

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Lawnmower Safety Tips

 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons POSITION STATEMENT

American Society for Surgery of the Hand Lawnmower Safety Tips

American Academy of Pediatrics Parent Handout

 Baystate Health Systems ( Summer 2005 press release)

 Baystate Health Systems (Summer 2001 press release)

 Consumer Product Safety Commission