Kids on tractors

[kebo]

I know this subject has been discussed ad nauseum here, but I was at my parents today doing yardwork and this tractor came by their house. They live in a rural area, so it's a common occurrence, right? Well, this one had a young lad riding on the fender. The road is a primary highway, lots of traffic including logging trucks going back & forth to the chip mill just up the road, and also a drag strip three miles up the road. Not looking to stir up a hornets nest, but just wanted to share the picture here.

 

[RNeumann]

Not a chance he could stop before something bad happened. One slip etc....

Good reminder!!

 

[oosik]

Around here there is a good likelihood the County Sheriff would stop this and talk to the "adult" driving the tractor. Enough people get hurt just farming - it doesn't need to be encouraged by these type situations.

 

[lpigott]

You are just trying to stir crap IMO. No telling how many hours I logged as a kid way younger than that riding with my dad. By the time I was that kids age I was operating tractors all day, hooking and unhooking etc by myself. Relax it’s actually none of your business.

 

[Oldoak]

You are just trying to stir crap IMO. No telling how many hours I logged as a kid way younger than that riding with my dad. By the time I was that kids age I was operating tractors all day, hooking and unhooking etc by myself. Relax it’s actually none of your business.

:thumbsup:

How did all us farm boys and girls ever survive! :confused3:

 

[HarryVanderpool]

I have no problem with the kid on the tractor.
Having the ROPS folded down is REALLY STUPID in my opinion.
But also none of my business.

 

[sixdogs]

Yeah, it's a really bad idea but in a way, risk taking is a part of daily life. Carrying water in a five gallon bucket carries the risk of an infant drowning. Swallowing more toothpaste than normally used to brush your teeth and you're supposed to call the Poison Control Center. And what about going over the speed limit or that window seat on the plane? There are all kinds of risks, some we choose and some we don't but I will say that the risks I have taken in life have collectively led me to be what I am and what I know and am capable of doing. In other words, I wouldn't be where I am if I didn't do what I did. Risks are a part of life, especially rural life so we either relax or go back to using hand sanitizer and reading magazines.

 

[Thomas]

I feel its the adult call at the time...I sure would like nickel every time I rode on tractor or doodlebug.

 

[oosik]

For me the "breaking point" is where you - as an adult - expose OTHERS to substantial risk. You care to do something that exposes only you to risk - that's your decision and your own business. Exposing others to risk - that MAY NOT be your decision to make. If that were my kid riding on your tractor - we would have words...........

 

[LouNY]

This post is going to upset a lot of people, so right of the bat I don't give a da*n, suck it up....
**** people that have to shove there opinions down others throats, I would hate to try and add up the thousands of hours that I have spent on fenders or standing on drawbars and wagon tongues or had riders on them, depending on the job, the implement being towed and where we were going. Is it swaddled in cotton safe, **** no, is it someone else's business **** no, do accidents happen yes, life is an accident waiting to happen. Near misses are the most lasting learning moments, they can also be fatal. We can molly coodle kids and adults an a great many will be worthless self important non productive leaches, crying everyday that it was someone elses fault , it wasn't their responsibility. Stretch your limits, grow everyday.

 

[oosik]

I agree with you, LouNY, to the point where you are making decisions that may or may not affect YOUR safety. NOBODY grows or has their limits stretched by unnecessary exposure to risk. NOBODY can make the decision to expose others to risk and simply write it off as "expanding their limits/horizons".

As an adult - what will you say to the child's parents when the child gets hurt because YOU allowed him to ride on the fender. "Oh, that's OK - I was expanding his horizons - his limits were being stretched". This is exactly where attorneys step into this picture. People can be taught safe practices without unnecessary exposure. And BTW - near misses are not going to convert "worthless self important non productive leaches".

We are supposedly the adults - lets start acting like we are.

 

[oosik]

majorwager - call it whatever you like. You can do as you please with your own safety and those who you rightfully can make decisions for. DO NOT ASSUME that you have the right or authority to make those decisions for others.

 

[Redlands Okie]

Coyote Machine you got it pretty well covered

 

[Ortimber]

I seen a kid in a car today. I almost called the police. Very dangerous situation.

Yet we all look the other way.

Kid on a tractor- let’s all freak out, and throw the dad in jail.

Swimming pools in the back yard? Perfectly acceptable.

My kids riding around the ranch on an ATV, I’m probably commuting a felony by letting them do that.

Life is one big accident waiting to happen.
I choose to live like I am dying, because I am.