Sledding Safety Tips

Sledding, often called sled riding across western Pennsylvania, is loved as a popular outdoor pastime in the snowy winter months.

Though it may seem relatively safe, it can lead to serious injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 160,000 people were hurt in sledding-related accidents in 2007.

Many sled riding mishaps are minor, though concussions and spinal injuries can result. To reduce injuries, follow these easy sledding safety tips:

• Younger children should always be supervised by an adult.
• Avoid hills that have a street or body of water near the bottom.
• Avoid any sledding hill that has trees, posts, fences or other obstacles in its path.
• Choose a sled that you can steer instead of discs, inner tubes, and toboggans. Don't use plastic sheets that can be punctured by objects on the ground.
• Never sled head-first down a hill. You should always be seated and facing forward.
• When climbing back up a hill, be on the lookout for sled riders who may not be able to steer their sleds.
• Consider using a helmet for children riding particularly fast sleds.
• At night, only sled in well-lit areas.
• Never drink alcohol before sledding as it makes you more susceptible to the cold and leads to bad decisions.