Ride-on lawnmowers warnings: Slope measurements and safety-by-separation

Abstract

Various single-rider open vehicles, such as lawnmowers, are susceptible to overturning on slopes that are too steep for them. Warnings have included separation from the vehicles and avoiding slopes that are too steep. A recommended maximum slope is commonly 15 degrees. However, many individuals cannot evaluate slopes just by sight. Some mower manufacturers have warned about too steep slopes and have provided slope gauges for users to determine the slopes in natural settings. This article evaluated the usefulness of such gauges for users who might be expected to need to evaluate slopes and the efficacy of a separation procedure for avoiding injuries. It was concluded that neither of these were likely to be successful and suggestions are made for a lternative approaches.