Holidays.. time for family..

kensfarm · Jun 2, 2004

Frederick County Maryland.

In the paper this weekend.. farmer was raking hay.. had 3 year old boy sitting in his lap. Tractor hit a ground hog hole.. the boy ended up under rear tire.. farmer reversed tractor to free child. The boy was still alive.. died later at hospital.

I'm sure this farmer thought his son couldn't be any safer then sitting in his lap.. one arm around him. Please think twice about giving tractor rides to children.. please be safe!

Junkman · Jun 2, 2004

When I was on ambulance duty, I saw these type of accidents all too often. Unfortunately, people still haven't learned that riding lawn mowers and tractors are not a place for children. I regret to think that we will be hearing more of these type of incidents this summer, unless a major campaign to educate people is done.

Gatorboy · Jun 2, 2004

People are still getting killed in automobile accidents, yet people are still driving in them -- what is WRONG with this country?

Accidents happen -- that's why they are called accidents and not On-Purposes.

AndyM · Jun 2, 2004

Accidents happen -- that's why they are called accidents and not On-Purposes. 

That's true, but a little common sense goes a long way.

There's a reason why tractors and riding lawnmowers only have ONE seat and ONE seat belt. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

It may seem like one may have control of the situation when he or she is riding with a child on their lap, but when you are driving out in the field or in the woods, you never know what lies ahead unless you are carrying a crystal ball in your other arm (which isn't recommended either).

It's not just children riders either. I posted an article about a year ago about an 80+ year old farmer whose 80 year old wife was riding along with him, sitting on the tractor's rear fender. He hit a bump and she fell of the tractor, running over her and killing her.

What's next, carrying babies and small children in one's lap while driving in the car? /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

GerardC · Jun 3, 2004

I just saw a guy last week driving his tractor down the road with a little girl (maybe 10ish) sitting on the fender also. It was one of the old tractors with the big (5-6 feet) rear tires and the type of fender that only covered about 1/3 of the tire. Commented to the wife, "I wish I had my camera". Her comment was, "Some people just don't realize".... G

Forgot to add that he was traveling about 10 MPH

Junkman · Jun 3, 2004

I know of a fellow that is extremely intelligent that allows his 5 year old son to steer the car on the highway while sitting in his lap. He said that his father did it when he was a kid and there is no reason that he shouldn't give his child the same experiences that he had as a child. I said that he is very smart........... that doesn't mean that he has any common sense when it comes to his children. Some people, including people that are here on TBN, just feel that others shouldn't tell them what they should or shouldn't do when it comes to them, their children, and their tractors. It is a life choice and it is their choice. I just hope that they can live with the results if something were to go wrong. Some may call it an accident, but the Children Protective Services will call it something else when they learn the facts. If you want to put yourself in danger, that is OK with me, but don't knowingly put your children in danger.. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif Children are supposed to bury their parents, not the other way around....

Gatorboy · Jun 3, 2004

( but don't knowingly put your children in danger.. )

Who exactly would be the one to determine levels of danger? I'd like to provide a list of activities I want to do with my kids this summer and want to get it OK'd in advance.

Junkman · Jun 3, 2004

Gatorboy...... As I posted a while ago.... you always want to have the last word. Have it your way..... /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

GerardC · Jun 3, 2004

( but don't knowingly put your children in danger.. )

Who exactly would be the one to determine levels of danger? I'd like to provide a list of activities I want to do with my kids this summer and want to get it OK'd in advance.)

Junkman is exactly right! The LAW has it's own playing field when things in our field go wrong. No pun intended.

Just call "Child Protection Services" and I'm sure you'll be thinking twice. G

Gatorboy · Jun 3, 2004

I'm not really sure why you and Junkman are jumping all over me. The point I have made is that accidents happen -- they are not intended.

It seems as though after you hear of some tragic event on judgment-type activities, everyone is quick to point fingers at the parents, etc.

Now, letting kids play with guns, or leaving them unattended is a different matter.

I'm sure most people would allow their children to roast marshmellows around a campfire, but if for some reason a child fell in the fire and got burned, I could hear the statements now. How dare those parents allow those kids to play around fire?

Levels of how dangerous things are vary from individual to individual. To one, letting a child climb a tree is no big deal, but to others is just a horrible thing to allow. Now, I don't believe there is a law against climbing trees, but if a child broke their arm from climbing one, I'm sure others would wonder what type of parents this child had.

Gerard, I don't think CPS wants me to call them to ask permission to let my kids climb a tree or roast marshmellows, they have more important things to do.

Sorry, Junkman, I've currently got the last word (which is always the case whenever someone posts). Seeing that you have 3 times the number of posts I do and have been a member a year less than me, I'd bet you've gotten the last word in much more than I have. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif