SLEDDING SAFETY TIPS
With Chicago winter in full force, it is important to remember safety while sledding with your children, especially those under 14 years of age. Sledding injuries can be serious, causing lifelong disability or death. Since younger children have proportionally larger heads and higher centers of gravity than older children, they are more prone to injuries.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons provides the following safety tips for winter sledding:
• No matter how tempting, do not permit your children to sled on public streets.
• Make sure your child is sitting in a forward-facing position while sledding.
• Sled only in designated and approved areas where there are no trees, posts, fences or other obstacles in the sledding path.
• Supervise your children while sledding. To avoid collisions, make sure there aren't too many children sledding in one area.
• It is preferred for young children to wear fitted helmets while sledding.
• Chose sleds that have steering mechanisms when possible.
• Only sled in well-lighted areas in the evening.
• Do not use plastic sheets or other materials for sledding.
• Protect your children from injury and cold by dressing them in layers of clothing.
By following these simple safety tips, you can ensure that your children not only have fun in the snow, but are also well protected from injury. The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll hopes that you and your family have a safe and fun winter.
