- Once you’ve finished with a vehicle or piece of machinery, make sure to lock it and store the keys out of reach. Never let kids play or climb on equipment.
- Teach kids to stay out of the way of equipment and vehicles when in use, especially as kids’ small size can put them in an operator’s blind spot.
- It is not safe for kids (or anyone) to be passengers or extra riders on farm vehicles. Most tractors, lawn mowers, ATVs, and mopeds are designed to hold only one operator.
- The bed of a pickup truck is not a safe place to ride (even for a short ride) because there are no restraints to protect from unexpected stops, turns or crashes.
- When riding in a car or truck, make sure your child is secure in a child safety seat, booster seat or seatbelt. Driving on rural roads can be more dangerous than in towns or cities, given the uneven surfaces, hills and curves, as well as the other farm vehicles that could also be on the road.
- Be sure to supervise older kids as they learn to use power tools and equipment responsibly. And don’t forget to make sure they have the right safety gear – goggles, gloves and a seatbelt.