Be Safe While Sledding
Sledding causes more injuries than skiing and snowboarding, so be careful!
SLEDDING SAFELY
Dee Jepsen - State Safety Leader
Sledding accounts for more injuries than those reported by skiers or
snowboarders. And more than half of the 20,000 emergency room visits are head
injuries. So to keep yourself safe while enjoying the backyard slopes, keep
these tips in mind.
1. Choose the right hill - once snow covered, many obstacles are
hidden. Select a hill that is not too steep; is void of trees, fences, ponds, or
other obstacles; and does not send the rider into a street or parking lot.
2. Choose the right sled - the preferred sleds can be steered by riders and
have brakes. Young children or inexperienced sledders should avoid saucers and
plastic toboggans. Sledders should never use lunch trays, cardboard, or
automobile hoods - they just don't offer the right safety features in a
crash!
3. Dress for the cold - wear sensible winter clothing like hats, gloves,
snow pants, a winter jacket and snow boots. Water-proof materials are the best.
Never wear long scarves or clothing with drawstrings that could become caught on
the sled. Helmets are good ideas, especially for young children. The best helmet
to choose is a ski helmet, second best is a scooter or bicycle helmet.
4. Follow simple rules of a SAFE SLED ride:
S - Sit face-forward on the sled, never backwards or standing
A - Access the hill from the side, leaving the middle space open for
other sledders
F - Follow other sledders at a safe distance, and don't tie sleds
together
E - Exit the bottom of the hill quickly, getting out of the path of
oncoming sleds
S - Steep slopes, ramps, or jumps should not be part of the sled
hill
L - Let an adult know where your are sledding, and have one present
in the event someone needs medical attention
E - Extra clothes should be packed for warmth
D - Don't ride a sled pulled by a moving vehicle
