It may have happened over a decade ago, but the memory of Ken Jakubec's lawn mower accident is still very fresh.


"I was backing up and my back heel caught on a landscape timber," said Jakubec.  "As I was falling, I pulled the mower and it has a release handle, like the one that is here, and by the time I released it to catch my, break my fall it has went over my foot and made at least one or two revolutions and I had running shoes on, which is a cardinal sin if you're cutting grass."


Jakubec kept that tennis shoe as reminder of what can happen while mowing your lawn.  He brings it out each spring.


"I would have bet my life savings it would have never happened to me.  I feel like I am one of the most safety conscious people in the world, but it happened to me," said Jakubec.


And it has happened to many others.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, an average of 36,000 people were treated between 2012 and 2014 for injuries caused by walk behind power mowers.  While most injuries are minor, emergency surgery is sometimes required, and, like in Ken's case, amputations are possible.  He lost his big toe.


Dr. Pete Varlas, an emergency room physician at St. Elizabeth Emergency and Diagnostic Center in Austintown, say summer is a busy time for mower-related accidents.


"There usually is at least a case a week," said Dr. Varlas.


Dr. Varlas suggests people scan their yards for debris before mowing.  Keep your children away from your mowers and Ken's advice, never wear tennis shoes or sandals.


"I've worked on helicopters and GM, never had an accident in my life and it was just one split second that changes your life forever," said Jakubec.