July 11, 2010
A Wisconsin family will mark a life-changing anniversary today. On July 11, 2009, two-year-old Brandon Rudie was severely injured after his father accidentally backed over him with a riding lawn mower. Today, after five facial surgeries, Brandon is an energetic three-year-old, but his recovery is ongoing.
In an interview with WFRV TV-5 in Green Bay, Scott Rudie said he hopes his sons story will prevent other lawn mower accidents.
No matter how safe you think you are or how careful you think you are accidents can happen, Rudie told WFRV. It can change your life in a heartbeat.
Last year, 247,000 Americans were treated for lawn mower-related injuries more than 18,000 of them under age 19. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, these injuries have increased seven percent since 2008.
Young children should not be allowed to operate lawn mowers, nor play around them, said Janet Jenkins, administrator of the Wisconsin Division of Trade and Consumer Protection. Lawn mower injuries are typically very serious, and can include deep cuts, loss of fingers and toes, eye injuries and even limb amputations.
Safety experts recommend children be at least 12 years old before they operate a walk-behind lawnmower, and at least 16 years old for a riding mower. In addition, Wisconsin's Consumer Protection Division offers these tips to keep your family safe during the lawn mowing season:• Children should never be passengers on riding mowers.
• Always wear sturdy shoes while mowing not sandals.
• Young children should be at a safe distance from the area being mowed.
• Pick up debris, yard tools and hoses from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.
• Dont use a lawnmower on hills unless you know how to do so properly.
• Dont mow when the grass is wet and slippery.
• Wear eye and hearing protection.
• Use a mower with a control that stops it from moving forward if the handle is released.
• Maintain your lawnmower so that it operates properly.
• Never pull backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary carefully look for others behind you when you do. To watch WFRVs full interview with the Rudie family click here http://www.wfrv.com/news/local/Outagamie-County-boy-makes-a-remarkable
