Children in the United States continue to suffer severe injuries from both regular power lawn mowers and ride-on mowers. Currently, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that no child under the age of 16 operate a ride-on mower and no child under twelve operate a push mower. Additionally, they urge parents to keep all children under the age of six indoors when any mower is in operation and not to allow kids to ride as passengers on mowers operated by adults. A recent study found that over 50% of kid-related mower accidents resulted in an amputation. Senior study author Dr. Douglas Armstrong explains, “People don’t realize how dangerous lawn mowers are… The vast majority of the injuries could have been prevented if safety guidelines had been followed.”
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Meeting, March 2016