Sledding Safety

Sledding and tubing can be a great way to enjoy winter weather, but the joy of speeding down the hill can make it easy to forget that these activities can also lead to injuries. Taking a few safety measures can help keep you and your kids safe on the hills this winter.

Sledding injuries often occur when the sled hits a stationary object or when the child falls off the sled. Bruises, cuts, and broken bones are the most common injuries. Head and neck injuries are common among children 6 years old and younger.

Before leaving the house, consider the following sledding tips:

What to Wear:

• Make sure children are dressed warmly and that they are wearing gloves or mittens and boots.
• Always wear a helmet to prevent head injuries. Properly fitted snow sport helmets, multi-sport, and bicycle helmets are good options.

Choosing a Sled:

• Sleds that can be steered and have braking features allow for more control and are preferred. Flat sheets, snow discs, tubes and toboggans can be hard to steer and lead to more injuries.
• Make sure to follow manufacturer guidelines for the number of passengers a sled can safely hold.

Where to Sled:

• Avoid sledding in areas with trees, fences, and light poles or on rocky hills.
• Do not sled in the street or on a highway.
• Never ride a sled being pulled by a car, ATV, snowmobile, or other motorized vehicle.
• Avoid sledding on driveways, hills, or slopes that end in a street, drop off, parking lot, river, or pond.
• Because they are hard to steer, the best place to use a tube is in a tubing park – often found at ski resorts.

How to Sled:

• Teach children to have an adult with them when they go sledding.
• Always go down the hill feet first.
• Have only the recommended number of passengers on a sled at one time.

By following these safety guidelines, sledding can be a great source of fun and activity for the whole family.