Sledding Safety Tips

For those of you who follow my published content, you might recall that my older sister relocated from Texas- home of 80 degree weather in December to Maine- home of -8 degree weather in December. This year she told me the snow is a menace to drivers but a pleasure to those who enjoy sledding. She further went on to state that this year, her children, my niece and nephew, were going to get sleds for Christmas. Okay... I can handle this; it is not so very dangerous, right? After all, I am the only one out of all the grandkids when visiting our grandparents in the mountains in New Mexico who crashed face first into a tree whilst sledding... and that was only because I was not really paying attention. Okay... this can be a good thing. It will be an exercise that gets the kids out of the house and away from the video games and television watching that my sister is worried has taken over their winter in Maine existence. Sledding... research time.

The following are the tips I sent to my sister on a printed gift tag to go with their presents!

Sledding safety tips- be head smart!

Helmets are a must. (This is the gift they are each receiving from me this year!) Helmets are the number one way to prevent head injuries. I was not wearing one when I met up with the giant tree and I had the fat lip and black eye to prove it. I sent a gift receipt as well; in case my sister needs to take the helmets I purchased and exchange them for something snazzier... even though I think the ones I chose were "wicked cool".

Sledding safety tips- learn from a look-see

Prior to engaging in an enjoyable sledding venture- be sure to scope out the path. Check for hidden obstacles (really, that tree just appeared out of nowhere!) Search for upended branches, logs, fallen trees - things that could cause an accident when sledding fast down a hill. Is there ample landing and stopping room?

Sledding safety tips- less is more

Do not sled with more than two people to a board. Neither of these children are experienced sledders, do not invite unnecessary risk and danger by showboating with your friends. The board can become more difficult to maneuver. Someone could fall off, or worse. Just stick to one person per board this winter.

Sledding safety tips- less is more II

Tim the Tool Man Taylor is not in the house. Do not want, seek, or attempt to make the sledding event more memorable by adding more power! Do not hitch a sled to a motorized vehicle (I did not even consider this an option!!!) in order to garner more speed. Tying a sled to a car, four -wheeler or even a lawn mower creates the potential for being run over! The sled can be pulled under the wheels of the vehicle. Repeat after me, Danger, Will Robinson, Danger.

Yes, I made all that fit on a gift tag!