Safety Library

Snow Sledding SafetyAt Play

Snow Sledding Safety
Snow Sledding Safety

Practice responsible sledding, safe environment and equipment

What are the injury facts for youth when sledding?

  • Injuries commonly occur in collisions with fixed objects (e.g. trees and fences) and other people
  • Sledding in an area that is open to vehicular traffic significantly increases the risk of severe injury.
  • The absence of adult supervision increases the risk of injury.
  • Common injuries include head trauma, fractured bones, and contusions or abrasions.

What developmental factors should be considered for assessing a safe level of sledding?

  • The cognitive capacity to anticipate, recognize and react to potential hazards
  • The good judgment to act responsibly, minimize risk, and react to potential hazards
  • The physical capability to climb hills, hold onto a sled, and regulate body temperature.

What factors and strategies are key to safe sledding?

Personal Safety

  • Adult supervision
  • Limiting activity to developmental capabilities to prevent fatigue and cold exposure
  • Wearing a HELMET
  • Wearing appropriate clothing to protect from the cold

Safe Environment

  • Area free of obstacles
  • Designated up and down routes
  • Motor vehicle traffic not in proximity
  • Adequate snow base with no protruding objects
  • Sledding incline less that 30 degrees with a long run out
  • Sledding during daylight hours, or in well-lit areas at night
  • Providing areas for sledding only

Sled Safety

  • Sled constructed of high quality materials without sharp edges that cannot be pierced by objects on the ground
  • Sled is ridden in face forward, sitting position
  • Sled has controlled direction
  • Sled has easily gripped handles

What is child safety advocated play in addressing sledding safety?

  • Practice responsible sledding
  • Evaluate current sledding opportunities for hazards
  • Promote development of safe sledding environments and use of safe sleds
  • Evaluate effectiveness of current prevention practices
  • Monitor childhood injury reports / data
  • Promote the role of parents in providing sledding safety and supervision

 

Contact

KJ Feury, Prevention Works
KarenJean.Feury@atlantichealth.org

Snow Sledding Safety Morris County Park Commission - Check out sledding in Morris County Parks