10 Rules for Safe Sledding

It’s time to break out the sleds and head to the nearest snow-covered hill for a favorite wintertime activity – sledding!
While it’s great fun, a day on the sled could mean a trip to the emergency department. Each year, more than 20,000 people, most under the age of 19, are seen at hospitals in the United States because of sledding accidents. About a third of those are head injuries. Others include fractures of the spine and ribs, and even injuries to internal organs.
Follow these tips for safe sledding
- Make sure hills for sledding are smooth and not too steep.
- Don’t use a sled on hills with obstacles like trees and rocks.
- Never sled toward a road or pond.
- Children should always wear helmets.
- Use sleds with a steering mechanism. Never use a sled substitute, such as a cafeteria tray.
- Always slide feet first – never head first.
- Take turns down the trail, one sled at a time.
- Stay clear of other sleds while walking back up the hill.
- Sled only during the day or in well-lit areas.
- Dress appropriately and in layers to avoid cold-related injuries and hypothermia.
For more safety tips, visit our website or call the Injury Prevention Center at 401-444-2208.
About the Author:
Lifespan Blog Team
The Lifespan Blog Team is working to provide you with timely and pertinent information that will help keep you and your family happy and healthy.
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