Study highlights riding mower-related injuries
Injuries related to riding lawn mowers led to an estimated 66,341 emergency room visits from 2002 to 2007, according to a study published in the Journal of Safety Research (Vol. 40, No. 5).
Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville determined the majority of people injured were between the ages of 20 and 59, with the injury rate highest among men and older adults. While 90 percent of those injured were treated and released the same day, older adults experienced the highest rate of hospitalizations from injuries.
The most common injuries included contusions (24 percent), sprains and strains (22 percent), and fractures (17 percent), according to a study abstract.
Approximately 44 percent of injuries occurred when individuals fell off the mower or when the mower rolled over while in use. This cause of injury was attributed to 74 percent of all riding mower injuries among children from birth to 9 years old. Children in this age group also suffered the highest rate of run-over injuries.
The Journal of Safety Research is published by the National Safety Council.
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