Monthly safety tip brought to you by Flickinger, Sutterfield, & Boulton (a sponsor of our STAR Reader reading program this year) UTAHINJURYLAWYERS.COM.

Don’t Let Injuries Get in the Way of Winter Fun

Try these tips to reduce the likelihood of sustaining a concussion and other injuries:

• Use a proper sled. Never use a sled substitute such as a lunch tray or cardboard box because they can be pierced by objects on the ground.
• Dress appropriately. Frostbite and hypothermia are real concerns during any winter sport. Be sure to wear sensible winter outerwear while sledding or snow tubing.
• Always wear a helmet. Be sure to wear a helmet as a safety measure to protect against head injuries like skull fractures.
• Choose the right terrain. Choose a hill that is specifically designated or designed for sledding and has a long, flat area at the bottom so you can glide to a stop. The hill should be clear of trees, bumps, rocks, poles, and other obstacles.
• Go sledding during the daytime, when visibility is better. If you go sledding at night, make sure the hillside is well-lit so you can see potential hazards.
• Designate a go-to adult. In the event someone gets injured, you’ll want an adult on hand to administer first aid and, if necessary, take the injured sled rider to the emergency room.
• Sit face-forward on your sled or tube. Never sled down a hill backward or while standing, and don’t go down the hill head-first, as this greatly increases the risk of a head injury.
• Young children (five years of age and younger) should sled with an adult, and children younger than 12 should be actively watched at all times.
• Go down the hill one at a time and with only one person per sled (except for adults with young children).
• Never build an artificial jump or obstacle on a sledding hill.
• Keep your arms and legs within the sled at all times. If you fall off the sled, move out of the way. If you find yourself on a sled that won’t stop, roll off and get away from it.
• Walk up the side of the hill. Leave the middle open for other sled riders and snow tubers.
• Never ride a sled that is being pulled by a moving vehicle.

While it’s unlikely that you’ll be injured while sledding or snow tubing, the possibility does exist. Remember, concussions are treatable when managed properly. When a concussion is suspected, it’s important to seek medical attention from a health care provider trained in concussion.

January 2022 Safety Tip.pdf