A riding lawnmower is an extremely effective tool to help homeowners tackle larger yards with ease. But much like driving any other kind of vehicle, safety is crucial. There are actually plenty of lessons you can learn from driving your car that will apply to your new riding lawnmower. Here are three similarities between driving a vehicle and a lawnmower that will help you make the most out of your new landscaping tool while also being as safe as possible.
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings at All Times
Driving is something we do regularly, so it’s easy to let our guard down and assume everything’s going to be okay if we space out. However, that’s not always the case. If you have children or pets, they could unwittingly get in your way, which could pose a safety risk to them. Other things that could end up getting in the way of your commercial lawnmower without warning include toys like frisbees or balls, wild animals that just happen to be passing by, and falling tree branches.
You never know what could potentially put you and others on your lawn at risk, which is why it’s always best to be aware of your surroundings and anticipate anything while you’re tending to your lawn.
2. Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Driving distracted in your car is something you should never do. The same principle applies to driving a riding lawnmower. There are many things that could be in your path. A large rock could damage your lawnmower or become a projectile that injures others nearby. A toy can clog up the lawnmower or get spit out and end up hurting you. Meanwhile, a lack of traction or changes in terrain could cause your lawnmower to fall over and seriously injure you.
There are a host of hazards on the lawn, just like there are many hazards on the road. Keep your attention on where it is you’re going so you can notice these and dodge them before they become a major problem. Also, never let something pull your attention away from the road. Don’t look at your phone, don’t eat and drive, and never drink before driving your lawnmower or while riding. You’ll thank yourself later!
3. Wear Your Seat Belt (If Applicable)
Some riding lawnmowers are rotary lawnmowers. Because of this, they will feature a seat belt that will protect you in case something happens to the mower during operation. As you already know, wearing a seat belt can save your life while you’re in the car. This applies to ROTS lawnmowers as well. If it comes with a seat belt, it’s always in your best interest to wear it.
Lawnmowers and cars may seem like they couldn’t be more different, but safety measures overlap between the two. If you have a new riding lawnmower for your lawn, take a couple of notes out of the safety measures you take while driving your car to navigate lawnmower use seamlessly. Both driving a vehicle and a lawnmower bring serious responsibility that should not be taken lightly, but both can easily be done if you take the necessary steps to learn the processes involved.
