We are in the middle of mowing season. I would like to remind people of the importance of lawnmower safety.

On May 9, 2008, I lost my right foot at the age of 3 to a lawnmower accident. Every year between 600 to 800 children are involved in lawnmower accidents that results in an amputation. Many other injuries occurs such as burns and cuts.

In the past, my family and I have participated in an effort to educate the public by filming a public service announcement. Since my accident, we have also been supportive to others families local and regional that have had children injured in lawnmower accidents by visiting with them or speaking to family members. My mother is active on a Facebook page to help families from all over, “LMA Survivors + Family Support.”

Many of the accidents happened even though another adult was watching the child. Some fell from the lawnmower and others ran towards the lawnmower.

I would like to encourage people to keep children inside when mowing as we did in our public service announcement. I would also like to encourage parents and others not to let children ride on lawnmowers

— John Robbins

Salisbury