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FARM SAFETY GROUPS: KEEP KIDS AWAY FROM TRACTORS
Monday, September 25th, 2006 -- 9:30 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
A Marshfield-based group is spearheading an effort to keep kids 12 and under off tractors.
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety is teaming up with 14 other groups to advocate against allowing children to operate, or even just ride around on, tractors.
“For the past ten years or so, there have been a number of organizations who have been promoting safety for children on farms and, quite honestly, we’re getting frustrated,” Explains Dr. Barbara Lee, director of the National Children’s Center.
Statistics show the farm safety groups have made only a small dent in the number of accidents.
Most accidents are the result of tractors.
“The tractor is the number killing both adults and children. If children aren’t working, why are they on the tractor?” Lee asks. “We have united (with) to give one single, strong message that we believe children under twelve years old should never be on or near tractors.”
Lee admits the groups were worried about how farm families would respond to the recommendation, but they’ve been pleasantly surprised.
“Initially we were concerned that people that people would think it was outrageous, but amazingly enough, it was the farm moms and some of the farm fathers that said this is good – you’re making it real clear,” Lee says.
The groups call their message “tough love” and have adopted the slogan: It’s easier to bury a tradition than a child. You can learn more by visiting www.childagsafety.org.
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