Safe Sledding Tips

With snow in the forecast, some of you may venture out to sled.   Here are some tips for safer sledding from Woman's Day Magazine.

Did you know that more than 20,000 kids go to the ER each year because of a sledding injury?  According to a study by Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus Ohio.

Scope out the route-your sled route should be free of obstacles such as trees, light poles, and fences.  Sledding should not take place in the street.  Make sure there is plenty of room at the bottom of the hill to slow down and stop without hitting anything or going into a street.

Don't add power-do not hitch a sled to any motorized vehicle (car, ATV, lawn mower), by hitching a sled to a motorized vehicle, you are increasing the likelihood of injury as kids could get pulled under the wheels.

Skip the snow tubes and disks-these tend to be more dangerous than traditional sleds as they rotate and can cause the rider to go down backwards with no way to change directions if need be.

Don't overload it-unless the sled is designed for 2 or more people, follow manufacturer's instructions.  Adding extra passengers can make the sled hard to maneuver and there's a greater chance of someone getting knocked off the sled.

Consider a skiing or snowboarding helmet-The best way to prevent concussions and other head injuries.