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WATCH'S REPORT CARD:
REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLING OF CHANGES RESULTING FROM EFFORTS OF WATCH
 
PRODUCT
DESCRIPTION
PERFORMANCE
PROGRESS
RIDING TOYS:      
"Power Wheels"
(Fisher Price)
Battery powered ride-on toys Batteries are prone to overheating; has caused 150 fires; batteries are not appropriate for children of the recommended ages of 2-7; 1988 "10 Worst Toys" list presented hazards inherent in this type of toy; the CPSC recalled up to 10 million "Power Wheels" in October 1998.
"Lion King"
(Buddy L Inc.)
Battery powered, low-slung,4-wheeled vehicle. Fault lies in recommending use for ages 1-3; no adequate safety restraints on this push-button activated toy car -- warning labels useless here -- safe design is the missing ingredient. Named in 1994 "10 Worst Toys" list; according to the CPSC 46,200 children were injured on riding toys in 1993.
"Big Wheels" and similar plastic tricycles (Louis Marx Co.; Empire of Carolina, Inc.; A.M.F.; and other manufacturers) Plastic child-size tricycles designed low to the ground and often without brakes. The low proximity of the toy to the ground prevents motorists from seeing children riding this toy. Swartz has repeatedly mentioned these dangerous toys in his work, but to date, the manufacturers have not altered the design; no recalls issued; incidents of injuries and death continue to be reported.
   
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