Lawn Mower Laws: What You NEED to Know!

Homeowners prioritize beautiful, well-maintained lawns. They also deeply value their children’s safety. Sadly, accidents happen when lawn care and childcare intersect, leading to tragic outcomes.

Each year, countless children suffer preventable lawn mower injuries. Tragically, most of these incidents could have been avoided. Often, these accidents stem from a child’s unsafe operation of the lawn mower.

When Are Children Old Enough To Use A Lawn Mower?

As mentioned before, numerous accidents involving children and lawn mowers occur annually. Consequently, age restrictions are in place for operating lawn mowers. The legal age to operate a riding lawn mower is 16. For walk-behind mowers, the legal age is 12.

Legalities aside, assess your child’s maturity before they operate a lawn mower.

Before your teens or pre-teens operate a lawn mower, ensure they understand these crucial points.

Begin by emphasizing safety above all else. Make sure your child fully grasps the fundamental safety rules for operating a lawn mower. Avoid assuming that legal age automatically equates to competence. Invest time in teaching them correct safety practices and procedures.

Here Are Some Safety Rules To Follow When It Comes To Operating A Lawn Mower:

There should never, ever be any horseplay when running a lawn mower. You must make sure the child grasps the reality that a lawn mower is not a toy and can cause them severe harm.

Ensure that smaller children do not come anywhere near the mower while it’s in use.

Do not use the mower when the weather is bad. Inclement weather includes conditions such as thunderstorms and heavy winds.

Don’t mow grass that’s wet.

Only mow when there’s plenty daylight.

Before starting to mow pick up any and all debris like fallen tree branches, rocks and toys.

Don’t put small children on a riding lawn mower under any circumstances.

Enhance your safety knowledge by understanding when to switch off your mower. Always power down the mower under these specific circumstances:

Anytime you’re going over a gravel road or path.

When the grass catcher needs to be removed.

When the lawn mower’s discharge chute needs to be unclogged.

Anytime it’s necessary to leave the mower unattended, even if it’s only for just a few seconds

Conclusion

Quick reminder: You can legally operate a riding lawn mower at 16. For walk-behind mowers, the legal age is 12.

Initially, closely supervise your child while they mow. Ensure they follow all safety guidelines. Continue supervising until you’re confident they can handle the task independently.

Maintaining a beautiful yard requires consistent effort. With proper guidance, your children can safely participate in these tasks.