79R15768 KO-D

By:  Deuell                                                     S.C.R. No. 39 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety 
Commission, approximately 25,000 people are treated in hospital 
emergency rooms across the nation each year due to lawn mower 
accidents; and
	WHEREAS, Lawn mower accidents may cause devastating 
injuries, including lacerations, loss of fingers or toes, broken 
bones, limb amputations, eye damage, and sometimes even permanent 
brain injury or death; studies show that as many as 75 people are 
killed each year due to lawn mower accidents; and
	WHEREAS, Many of these terrible injuries could be easily 
prevented by following simple safety guidelines; some general 
safety tips include: always prepare the lawn for mowing, handle 
fuel with care, properly maintain the mower, check guards and 
shields on the mower, wear appropriate clothing and shoes when 
mowing, use a mower with an automatic blade cut-off, avoid cutting 
grass when it is wet, and, with riding mowers, never allow a 
passenger to ride on the mower and avoid using a riding mower in a 
sloping area; and
	WHEREAS, Because one in every five deaths resulting from a 
lawn mower accident involves a child, lawn mower operators must 
remain especially vigilant to ensure that children are at a safe 
distance when a lawn mower is in operation; moreover, children 
should never be allowed to operate any outdoor mowing or handheld 
equipment; and
	WHEREAS, With summer upon us, it is especially important to 
recognize the potential dangers in the use of lawn mowers and other 
outdoor power equipment and to take precautions in ensuring the 
safety of our families; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate July 2005 as Lawn Mower Safety Awareness Month and 
encourage all Texans to join in an effort to improve lawn mower 
safety awareness in our communities.