Lawn darts were banned in the US in 1988 after a child was killed by one. However, they are still legal in many other countries and can be easily purchased online.
That said, there’s enough reason to ban them that I felt compelled to look into it more closely.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Lawn darts are illegal to use, sell, or possess in most areas due to safety concerns. |
| Lawn darts were banned in the United States in 1988 due to their association with serious injuries, particularly to children. |
| The Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that you destroy lawn darts immediately to prevent injury. |
| Wikipedia and the CPSC provide useful resources for learning more about the history, design, and regulation of lawn darts. |
Are Lawn Darts Banned in the US?
Yes, in 1988. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the sale of lawn darts after they’d been linked to several deaths and injuries. This independent federal agency is responsible for protecting the public from unreasonable risks associated with consumer products.
The CPSC’s ban came after it reviewed reports of 13 fatalities resulting from lawn dart accidents between 1973 and 1986 (the year before its ban). The agency estimated that there had been 30 other serious injuries during that period as well.
Curious about the legality of lawn darts? Our expert has the answer. According to their analysis, lawn darts are indeed illegal to use and possess in most places. To learn more, check out our article on are lawn darts illegal for a comprehensive overview.
What Is a Lawn Dart?
A lawn dart is a type of flying toy that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It typically consists of a sharp, pointed steel tip attached to a plastic handle. The dart is thrown at a target, usually a board or mat with several concentric circles drawn on it.
When thrown correctly, it will stick into the board at an angle rather than going straight through and landing flat on the ground.
Safe Lawn Game Alternatives
| Game | Description |
|---|---|
| Bocce ball | A low-impact game that can be played on a variety of surfaces |
| Cornhole | A popular backyard game that involves tossing bean bags into a hole in a raised platform |
| Horseshoes | A classic lawn game that involves tossing horseshoes at a stake |
| Kan Jam | A newer lawn game that involves throwing and deflecting a frisbee |
| Spikeball | A fast-paced game that involves bouncing a ball off a trampoline-like net |
| Ladder toss | A simple game that involves tossing balls attached to strings at a ladder-shaped target |
| Giant Jenga | A fun twist on the classic Jenga game, with oversized wooden blocks |
Why Are Lawn Darts Dangerous?
The danger of lawn darts stems from their design, which makes them easy to throw by people of all ages. Once they are released, they can move at speeds up to 90 miles per hour and cause serious injuries if they hit someone in the head or neck area. Because of this, most states have banned them completely.
If you’re planning to take your lawn mower out on the road, you may be wondering if it’s street legal. Check out our expert answer on are lawn mowers street legal to get the facts. Our article covers the regulations surrounding lawn mowers and offers tips for staying safe while using your equipment on public roads.
Who Was the First Person to Die From a Lawn Dart Accident?
Who was the first person to die from a lawn dart accident? The unfortunate honor belongs to 15-year-old David Grier, who died in 1985 when he accidentally threw a dart into his neck.
David had been playing with lawn darts with some friends at his family’s home in Wisconsin when he got distracted and accidentally threw one at himself. He died shortly after being taken to the hospital for treatment.
Which States Have Banned Lawn Darts?
California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Louisiana and Massachusetts have all banned lawn darts.
In 1990 that state passed the first law banning lawn darts. The law states that it is illegal to sell or give away plastic or metal objects with sharp points that are used for outdoor playing games. In addition to this law, California has also banned metal objects with sharp points from being sold in stores except by mail order catalogs.
Looking to sell your old lawn darts? Think again. In most areas, selling lawn darts is also illegal. Our expert explains why in our article on are lawn darts illegal to sell. Make sure you’re up-to-date on the latest regulations before you make any sales.
Which Countries Have Banned Lawn Darts?
The United Kingdom and Australia banned lawn darts in 1988 and New Zealand followed suit in 1991. Canada has also banned lawn darts, though they aren’t used there in the same way as they are in other countries.
In the US, only two states have banned lawn darts: California and Washington. However, there have been calls for bans on a national level as well; just this past April, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation to ban the sale of these potentially dangerous toys across America with bipartisan support from Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Ed Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Al Franken (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Bernie Sanders (I -VT) and Cory Booker( D -N J).
How Dangerous Are Lawn Darts?
Lawn darts have been considered unsafe since they were first invented in 1958. The Consumer Product Safety Commission banned them in 1988, which means that you can’t buy them at retail stores anymore and you shouldn’t even try to make your own at home.
But there are still plenty of people who own lawn darts (or their parents do) and play with them occasionally…and sometimes those games end up being dangerous.
Do Kids Play With Lawn Darts Today?
You may be wondering whether or not kids still play with lawn darts today. The answer to this question is yes, they do! Lawn darts are cheap and easy to get, so they can be found in many toy stores. You will sometimes see them being played by adults as well as children.
What Are the Effects of Lawn Dart Injuries, and How Can They Be Prevented?
Lawn darts injuries can be severe. The most serious injuries are head injuries, which often cause brain damage or loss of consciousness. A child who has a lawn dart accident could die from a head injury due to the fact that the skull is not fully formed until age 25 and has no natural protection against impacts inside it before that time.
For this reason, protective headgear should always be worn when playing with lawn darts (when playing at all). In fact, many countries have banned them entirely because of how dangerous they are to play with as well as how little protection they offer players’ heads when accidents happen.
If you’re wondering whether lawn darts are legal in your area, check out our expert overview on are lawn darts legal. Our comprehensive guide breaks down the history of lawn darts, their potential dangers, and the current legal status of these popular backyard toys.
What Is the Best Way to Treat a Lawn Dart Injury?
If you injure yourself with a lawn dart, the best way to treat your injury will depend on its severity. If the injury is serious, you should be taken directly to an emergency room or hospital. If it’s not serious, you can treat the problem at home using these tips:
Wash and clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water.
Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Polysporin ointment if there is any sign of infection. If the wound continues to bleed after several minutes of pressure against it with a clean cloth, place another cloth over top of that one and apply more pressure until bleeding stops (do not apply pressure for more than 20 minutes).
Cover all wounds with a bandage until they are fully healed (this will help keep dirt out).
How Much Can You Expect to Pay for Treatment of a Serious Lawn Dart Injury?
The cost of treatment depends on the severity of your injury. For example, if you have an infection after getting hit by a lawn dart, or if you need surgery to remove it from your body, these types of injuries will require more care and therefore more money.
Are grubs damaging your lawn? Our expert provides feedback on the impact of these common lawn pests in our article on are grubs bad for lawn. Learn about the signs of a grub infestation and discover effective ways to prevent and treat this common problem.
Conclusion
Lawn darts are dangerous, and they can cause serious injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured by a lawn dart, it’s important to be aware of your legal rights and options for compensation.
You may have been injured by a product that was defective in some way; if so, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
Further Reading
For more information about lawn darts and their legal status, check out the following resources:
Wikipedia – Lawn Darts: A comprehensive overview of the history, design, and regulation of lawn darts.
Consumer Product Safety Commission – Lawn Dart Information Center: The CPSC’s official information center on lawn darts, with resources for businesses, consumers, and researchers.
CPSC Reissues Warning: Lawn Darts Are Banned and Should Be Destroyed: A press release from the CPSC warning consumers about the dangers of lawn darts and reminding them of the ban on their use and sale.
FAQs
What are lawn darts?
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, are a type of lawn game that involves throwing large, weighted darts at a target on the ground.
Are lawn darts legal?
No, lawn darts are illegal to use, sell, or possess in most areas due to safety concerns.
Why are lawn darts banned?
Lawn darts were banned in the United States in 1988 due to their association with serious injuries, particularly to children.
Can I still buy lawn darts?
No, lawn darts are no longer available for purchase in most areas due to the ban on their sale.
What should I do if I have lawn darts?
If you have lawn darts, the Consumer Product Safety Commission advises that you destroy them immediately to prevent injury.
For 15 years, Hellen James has worked in the gardening industry as an expert and landscape designer. During her career, she has worked for a variety of businesses that specialize in landscaping and gardening from small firms to large corporations.