You see that your child never bikes without a helmet, but are you as careful when it comes to mowing the lawn? Last year more than 16,000 children under age 19 were injured in lawn-mowing accidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The commission, along with the AAP and several other medical societies, urges adults to take steps to prevent injuries.

Among the steps they recommend:

¢ Don’t let children mow the lawn until they are at least 12 years old.

¢ Wear shoes, not sandals, while mowing.

¢ Always wear safety glasses or other eye protection, as well as ear protection.

¢ Never start a mower, or refuel a mower, indoors or in a garage.

¢ Always clear stones and debris from an area before you mow.