The snow is finally here. When we were kids, we would hope for a snow day first. Second, we'd grab our sleds and hit the hills. I remember sliding down the hill in our backyard, taking a running start and going down head first. We knew we were at the end of the ride when we would slam into the fence at the bottom of the hill.
The ironic thing is, once I decided to blog about sledding and safety, many of my co-workers have told me their injury stories about sledding. One flew off her saucer and injured her ankle; another’s sister was hit in the back by a fellow sledder, and the list goes on.
Sledding should be fun. It should also be safe. So what to do?
- Supervision. Kids should be supervised by responsible adults. Drugs and alcohol do not pair well at all while sledding or supervising. Make sure you have a cell phone in case you have to call 911.
- The sled. Do not double up on a sled unless it is built for more than one rider. Inner tubes and saucers may be fast, but they have no steering capabilities. Check to make sure there are not any cracks, broken parts or any sharp edges to the sled.
- The hill. Sled only in marked areas. Do not, I repeat, do not sled onto a road! Stay away from sledding on frozen lakes/ponds/rivers; the ice may not be as thick as you think. Do not sled into a snow bank; you just do not know what you may be sledding into, like tree stumps or rocks. Make sure the sledding path is clear from hazards (trees, fences, light poles).
- Safety. Do not put the bike helmets away once the snow flies. Helmets should be worn sledding as well! Do not sled after dark, you may not see hazards. This is an important safety issue: Do not ride a sled being pulled by an ATV, car, snowmobile, etc. Safest way to sled is either by sitting straight up or laying on your back, feet first going down the hill. Head-first sledding increases the chance of a head injury. Also, teach kids to roll off of a sled that will not stop.
- Rules of the hill. Do not cut other people off. Wait your turn.
Enjoy the snow. There is plenty coming our way!