Lawn darts are a fun game that can be played in various outdoor settings. However, the game can only be safe if the rules are followed.
A few decades ago, lawn darts were popular. There were only a few suburban garages with a set. But then the toy became infamous for being unsafe. Below, I will briefly describe why original lawn darts are a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts.
Table of Contents
Safety
While old-fashioned metal darts may look dangerous, today’s safer alternatives feature thick, rounded plastic ends. These softer tips prevent the puncture that sends a person to the emergency room. Moreover, these darts are likelier to stick into the ground or the target rings instead of puncturing someone in the head.
The game of lawn darts is fun and a great way to get some exercise and burn off energy. It’s also a great way to socialize with friends or family, especially when played in groups. Watch kids when playing this game and follow any safety precautions the manufacturer recommends.
A mix of horseshoe pitching and darts, the game of lawn darts consists of four giant darts and two rings, or targets. It’s a team-based game, though you can play one-on-one as well. Players stand about 35 feet from each other and throw the darts into the target hoop, scoring points by landing in different rings or the center bullseye.
It was in 1987 that David Snow, an aerospace engineer from Riverside, California, found his seven-year-old daughter Michelle dead from a lawn dart injury. This tragedy spurred him to launch a lobbying campaign against this dangerous game. The Consumer Product Safety Commission took notice and re-examined lawn dart injuries. They discovered that over less than a decade, 6,100 people went to the emergency room due to lawn darts.
Durability
The original lawn darts, also known as jars or javelin darts, are a classic outdoor game that involves throwing metal spikes at a plastic target. The first to land their darts in the target wins the game. The game was initially developed in the 1950s and quickly became popular due to its ability to provide wholesome family or group entertainment and a sense of competition.
Unfortunately, the game was banned in the United States in the late 1970s due to several lawn dart-related injuries. The manufacturers challenged this decision and won a compromise that allowed the jars to remain on the market as long as they were marketed only to adults, did not include children in promotional materials, were marked with warnings of potential dangers, and were not sold in toy departments or stores.
However, this did little to curb the injuries caused by the game and the ear-piercing screams that ensued when people were struck with the business end of the darts. Between 1978 and 1987, hospital emergency rooms treated more than 6,100 lawn dart-related injuries, most involving children.
If you want to bring back the fun of the classic lawn dart game without the dangerous metal tips, consider purchasing a set with safe plastic fins on the ends of the metal spikes. These fins are designed to help the darts maintain their integrity when thrown and prevent them from slipping away from the target. In addition, a weighted bottom on the darts will ensure that they land upright on soft surfaces, such as grass, and are not easily deflected by wind or other factors.
Style
Lawn darts are a fun outdoor game for both adults and kids. The game requires coordination, concentration, accuracy, and strategy, which can develop skills that benefit lifelong success. It can also encourage family bonding and help build friendships. However, to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, setting regulations and agreeing with your friends before starting play is essential.
Originally, lawn darts were made with metal-tipped javelin-style darts that resembled the ones used in horseshoe pitching or cornhole games. Players threw the darts one-on-one at a target on the ground several feet away. The winner scored the most points by throwing the dart into a plastic ring located on a flat surface.
However, in the late 1980s, a few highly publicized heartbreaking, tragic accidents resulting from lawn darts caused the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban the sale of these dangerous products. This included the metal-tipped originals as well as several altered versions.
To avoid injuries, look for a quality original lawn darts for sale set designed with kid-friendly, non-metal darts and an easy-to-grip shaft with rounded rubberized tips. These darts are also weighted, which allows them to stay upright upon landing rather than sliding toward the ground. Additionally, choose a set with targets and rings that glow in the dark to enable continued play after sunset.
Fun
Lawn darts are a great way to involve the entire family in fun activities. Choosing a set of lawn darts that are lightweight enough for children to handle and throw is essential. The correct weight ensures that the darts stay upright after each hit and will not lose shape or accuracy. It would help if you also opted for a set made from durable materials. This will help the darts to withstand regular use and last for a long time.
At one point, nothing could go wrong with a simple game of throwing metal darts into a target ring. But then someone got hurt, and in the nine years between 1978 and 1987, hospital emergency rooms treated a staggering 6,700 patients injured by lawn darts.
Despite this, there are still plenty of people who find the game to be enjoyable and even addictive. It has become a staple in many backyards, as well as at barbeques and picnics. You can enjoy a game of lawn darts by playing against friends and family members or competing with other teams.
The resurgence of interest in this classic outdoor game has caused it to regain popularity and become available again. It makes a perfect gift for recreation-loving friends and loved ones. It is also a great way to get the kids off their smartphones and into healthy physical activity.
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