Keeping Safe While Sledding

As you gear up to go sledding this winter, be cautious. A study by Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that more than 20,000 children go the emergency room each year for sledding-related injuries. Help keep your kids safe with these tips:
Choose a Safe Sled
Look for the following:
  • A steering mechanism and brakes
  • No sharp edges, cracks or missing parts
  • A true sled — not substitutes like lunch trays, cardboard boxes or garbage can lids
Dress Appropriately
Keep safe and warm with:
  • Multiple layers of wind- and water-resistant clothing
  • Helmets, which can greatly reduce the chance of head injuries
  • No clothing with drawstrings or scarves, which can risk strangulation. If you feel a scarf is essential, tuck the ends tightly into a coat, or opt for a neck gaiter or mask that covers the face and neck.
Find a Safe Sledding Hill
Look for a spot:
  • Away from busy roads
  • With a long, flat area at the bottom for stopping
  • Free from hazards and obstacles, such as trees, fences, ponds, rocks, poles, and bare spots
  • Covered in snow, not ice — icy slopes make it hard to steer or stop safely