Winter Safety Tips: Safe Sledding

When a Family Outing Becomes Dangerous

With our first snowstorm approaching Chicagoland this week, I thought I would write about one of our favorite winter activities. My three boys can hardly wait for enough snow to break out their sleds. As a parent, this also means it’s time to brush up on some safety tips.

Sledding can end in serious injury, even death. Children and adults alike enjoy sledding; on weekends the hills are always full of fun and laughter. Unfortunately this fun, inexpensive family activity has many dangers.

What are the dangers of sled riding?

Like other winter activities, it is important to be mindful of the outside temperature and your surroundings when sledding.

Extremely low temperatures can affect sled riders quickly. Hypothermia and frostbite can develop without the protection of warm clothing.
When many sled at the same time, chaos ensues. Collisions between sleds can occur causing minor to serious injuries. Examples of sled riding injuries include broken bones, sprained ligaments and traumatic brain injuries in the form of concussions.
Snow that has been packed down and turned to ice can cause sleds to move faster than usual. The faster the sled is going, the more likely injuries are to occur.

Preventing childhood sledding injuries

Wear many, thin layers of clothing to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. Always keep body parts (toes, feet, fingers, hands, head, etc.) covered.
Take breaks to stay warm. Retreat from the outdoors in areas such as a picnic area with a fire or a warm car. Resist staying out in the cold for more than two hours.
Always be alert and aware of surroundings.
Have at least one adult present for every three or four children.
Teach children to watch and wait for a clear lane before going down the hill.
Be aware of the weather. The best times to go sledding are after a fresh snowfall when the snow is still light and fluffy.
Go sledding in the middle of the day when the sun is out. Never go sledding at night. Temperatures drop causing the snow to freeze and the risk hypothermia and frostbite increases.

Stay safe this winter

Winter can be one of the most dangerous seasons. With extremely low temperatures and icy surfaces injuries can happen by just walking out the front door. You can help keep your children safe by always dressing warm and driving more cautiously.

If you have children involved in winter sports, read my Winter Sports Safety post for more winter safety tips.

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Ken Levinson is a child safety expert in Chicago. If you have a story involving winter safety, contact Ken today. You are eligible for a free case review.

Photo credit: West Chester Dumonts

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