Respect The Power Of Your Lawnmower

Northwest Iowa — The summer season is here, and so is the lawn mowing season.  The Iowa Department of Public Health reminds you to not underestimate the power, and danger, of your lawnmower.

Dr. Patty Quinlisk, medical director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, says push and riding mowers pose different types of risks to life and limb.

That sharpened metal blade, spinning around at 200 miles an hour, can quickly slice off a finger or a toe. While it’s hot and you may want to dress light for mowing, Quinlisk suggests you don’t skimp on footwear.

Many youngsters make good money mowing lawns in their neighborhoods during the summer, but Dr. Quinlisk says parents should give serious consideration to their child’s age and maturity level before letting them take off with the Toro.

A state health department report says four people were killed statewide last year in lawnmower-related accidents and 156 were injured. In 2015, six deaths were reported but only 108 injuries. In the past six years, a total of 20 people have died statewide in mower-related accidents.

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