When Lawn Mowers Attack

I was astounded to learn that each year, 16,000 children are seriously injured by lawn mowers here in the U.S. each year.

Since June is National Safety Month, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is doing its part to remind people about this commonplace hazard.

Of course, lawn mowers don’t "attack" on their own. Most injuries - such as severed fingers and toes, limb amputations, broken bones, burns and eye injuries - can be prevented by following a few simple safety tips, as suggested by the ASPS:

- Children should be 12-years-old before they operate any type of lawn mower, and 16-years-old for a ride-on mower.

- Children should never be passengers on ride-on mowers, even though it may look cute.

- Pick up stones, toys and debris from the lawn to prevent injuries from flying objects.

Don't let your young child become one of the 16,000.