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April 29, 2004 Dad, Can I Drive the Tractor? Parents often have their children working alongside them, and sometimes even operating farm machinery. Should children be allowed to do this? At what age should they be permitted to drive solo? Is it a matter of age or maturity? These are tough questions and the answers do not come easily, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. Many children are injured when working on the farm. Between 1991 and 1996, the North Dakota Agricultural Occupational Health Nurses Program reported that as many as 552 youngsters under the age of 16 were treated by a physician for injuries suffered on North Dakota farms. Many of these injuries involved farm machinery. Tractor Safety Schools are offered every year as an effort to help aspiring tractor drivers get a safe start. The schools include classroom instruction, as well as behind-the-wheel instruction. Students are tested before the school begins and after it is finished to determine how much they have actually learned. The schools are intended for youth between the ages of 13 and 16. The students who successfully complete the course and are 14 or older receive a U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Training. Those who are 13 receive their certificates on their 14th birthday. The certificate legally permits a minor under the age of 16 to drive a tractor and operate identified farm machinery for hire. See your Extension Service county agent for details about registering for the school you would like your youngster to attend. The Tractor Safety Schools will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at the following locations:
For additional information about farm safety for children, contact Maher at (701) 231-8288 or george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu. ### Source:
George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu |
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