Riding lawnmowers and tractors are great time-savers when it comes to cutting your yard. But like any powerful machines, they can also cause injuries and even death. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 20,000 people are hurt each year on or near riding lawnmowers and about 75 of those die from their injuries.

A few precautions can make the difference between the perfect cut and tragedy for you and your family. Keep these tips in mind the next time you rev up the mower.

1. Dress appropriately. Wear close-fitting clothing, closed-toe shoes with traction soles, and eye protection. Long-sleeved shirts and pants will offer some protection from flying debris and insects, but make sure they are not loose. Pull your hair away from your face and avoid wearing hanging jewelry.
   
   
2. Protect your ears with earmuffs or plugs. Neurotologist Dr. Bruce MacDonald says repeated exposure to sounds above 75 decibels can cause hearing damage. At about 90 decibels, noise from the average lawnmower is potentially dangerous. (By comparison, a jet plane taking off is about 120 decibels while normal conversation is about 60 decibels.)
   
   
3. Remove loose debris from your yard before mowing. Items such as sticks and rocks may become airborne when hit by the mower blades and cause injury to you as well as others.
   
   
4. Be alert for bystanders. Use caution when turning corners and cutting around large shrubbery that may obstruct your view.
   
   
5. Never mow around children. More than 800 young children are run over or backed over by riding mowers each year. Children should never be outside when you are mowing, says pediatrician Dr. Andy Spooner. Not only is there a danger of being run over by the mower, children can be injured by thrown debris even when standing far away. The best place for children is in the house. If a child enters the mowing area, turn off the mower immediately.
   
   
6. Never let children ride on a riding lawnmower or tractor. Even sitting on a lawnmower may give young children the idea that the machine is a toy and may encourage them to play on it when you aren't around, says Dr. Spooner.
   
   
7. Never fill the gas tank when the machine is hot or running. The high temperatures can easily cause severe burns.
   
   
8. Never smoke while using power equipment. Aside from the fire risk, it may also distract your attention.
   
   
9. Do it during the day. You're less likely to see potential hazards if you're mowing the lawn at night by the light of the moon or your headlights. It can also be difficult to see clearly at dusk. Stick to morning or afternoon hours when you can see what you're doing.
   
   
10. Turn off the mower if you need to remove blade obstructions. Don't risk a mangled hand just to save a few seconds of time.

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