TIPS For Families

Despite the best efforts of safety professionals, tractor overturns continue to plague rural America with nearly 200 deaths reported annually.  For farm families, it has become almost a way of life, a risk they take with the dangerous job of farming.

But recently, tractor overturns have hit suburbia.  Although smaller lawn and garden tractors are blamed for the tragic incidents, the way the machines are being operated is more often the culprit.

If your family has joined the ranks of small tractor owners, be sure you take steps to keep all operators safe.  Some specific guidelines include:

** Young operators are risk-takers.  They often overestimate their abilities and underestimate the hazards.  You can help by training youth BEFORE they begin such jobs as mowing or garden tilling.  Be sure they know not only how to operate the tractor, but how to stay out of critical situations.  Once trained, supervise!  Keep a watchful eye on your young operator for the first several times he/she is at the wheel.  After you feel comfortable with their use of the machine, an occasional check may be all that is needed

** Insist on a “no-rider” policy for youth and adults.  No operator can give his full attention to the operation at hand, whether on a large or small tractor, if a child or passenger is riding along.

** Be sure your tractor is equipped with a ROPS (or roll-over protective structure) and a seat belt.  Whether on farm ground or a well-manicured lawn, slopes, drop-offs near streams or retaining walls, and other irregularities can spell disaster, especially for an untrained operator. 

** Keep bystanders, children, and pets away from the area where a tractor is being operated.  Not only are they distractions, but they could be hit by debris flung by the mower or tiller.

Check your small - and large – tractors to be sure they are in top condition for safety.  Then go over the safety guidelines each time a young person is going to operate the tractor – even a playful, “What did we talk about last week?” will keep those safety messages fresh in their minds.   And, above all, be sure you are a prime example of safety for your young trainee.

For more TIPS for Families, go to unlforfamilies.unl.edu. Let us know how you used this information by clicking on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.