Sledding Tips

More than 14,000 children ages 5 to 14 were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to sledding. Parents and caregivers should remember the following tips:

· Make sure terrain is free of obstacles and far from traffic. Also, know your location, i.e. cross streets or intersections, in case of an emergency.

· Children should sled on packed snow (not ice) that is free of debris. Check carefully for snow-covered hazards such as rocks, tree limbs and stumps that could endanger sledders or skiers.

· Use equipment that is sturdy and safely constructed. Avoid equipment with sharp and jagged edges.

· Look for energy absorbing pads on sled seats.

· Examine handholds on sleds to be sure they are secure.

· Ensure sleds and toboggans have easy steering, non-jamming devices.

 Parents should remind children to:

· Sled only on terrain that is free of obstacles.

· Make sure the bottom of the slope is far from streets and traffic.

· Always use a sled with a steering mechanism. Avoid makeshift sleds.

· Avoid lying flat on the sled while riding down hill. Always sit up with feet forward – lying flat increases the chance of head and abdominal injuries.

· Never ride in a sled that is being pulled by a motorized vehicle.

· Make sure the number of children riding on the sled does not exceed the manufacturer's recommendations.