There’s nothing better than sledding on a snow-covered mountain in winter!
But before your kids head out the door, it’s important to keep safety in mind. More than 20,000 children under the age of 19 are treated in emergency rooms for sled-related injuries each year in the United States.
With broken bones, sprains, and abrasions being the most common injuries, here are some things you can do to help protect them:
1. Wear a helmet
Like bicycles, sleds can reach speeds of 20-25 miles per hour when going down steep hills. Helmets have been shown to be effective for head protection during winter activities.
2. Dress for success
- Dress your children in layers for warmth, and if their clothes get wet, bring them inside.
- Watch for signs of frostbite. The first signs can give the skin a white, gray, or blue color and usually affects the fingers, toes, and face. The skin may feel waxy, pale, frozen, and may cause scarring.
- Encourage your children to come in early to ensure they are properly warmed up.
- Don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses! It may seem like a bad thing, but the sun’s harmful rays can be dangerous even though it’s not freezing.
3. Take care of your children and how they ride
Elderly care is key to reducing horse riding injuries. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) statistics show that 71 percent of unsupervised sled trips result in injury. Make sure your kids are:
- Sit on the bottom of the sled, going feet first up the hill – not head first.
- Only one passenger goes to the sled.
- Using only their body weight – don’t use a sled behind a bike, ATV, or car.
4. Find a good mountain
Finding the right mount is important:
- Choose a slope that does not end in a street, parking lot, or pond. Both sleds and cars are difficult to stop on slippery surfaces. Frozen pools may seem sturdy, but may not be strong enough to hold your baby’s weight.
- Look for treeless hills and unexpected openings.
- Find a good way up the hill to avoid the deer.
5. Do not use substitutes for Sled
Cafeteria trays and cardboard boxes may seem way cheaper than sleds. However, their canoes were not driven by iron, making it difficult to avoid collisions.
Make safety a priority this year by following our handy tips for safe sledding. For more safety tips contact us Complete Child Injury Camp.
