Sled Riding Safety
Sled Riding Safety
Sled riding is a popular winter activity enjoyed by people of all ages. The thrill of racing down a snowy, icy hill, however, can quickly turn from fun to tragedy. There are approximately 45,000 sledding injuries each year that require emergency treatment. Here are some helpful safe sledding tips from Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh:
• Children should be supervised by parents when sled riding.
• Helmets should be worn to absorb impact to the head. Many head injuries occur because children tend to ride in a head-first position—lying down with their hands steering the sled.
• Heavy-duty gloves and boots should be worn to prevent hand and foot cuts, bruises, and frostbite.
• A steerable wooden sled with flexible metal runners is recommended for children aged 6-12 years.
• Inner tubes, saucers, and snow disks are more dangerous because of their fast speed and lack of steering.
• It is important to find a safe environment for sledding. Avoid poor sledding conditions such as: steep terrain with cliffs; rocky hills; sledding into streets or driveways; icy conditions, areas with trees, walls, or cars; poorly lit areas; having a sled pulled behind a motor vehicle; or sledding onto ice.
• Never use alcohol or drugs while sledding.
• Never steer into a snow bank—there could be hidden dangers such as a downed tree or a rock.
• Parents should help the children ensure the sled is in good condition.
• Children must know how to stop a sled. This can be accomplished by: dragging the feet, making a sharp right turn.
• If the sled can’t be stopped, don’t ride into danger. Roll from the sled onto the ground, and let the sled go without you.
Source: Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA
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