Winter activities like skiing, ice skating, and sledding are a lot of fun, but they come with risks. Whether it’s you or your children riding down the hills this winter, here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Look Out for Hazards
You can pick up a lot of speed on a sled. Little bumps on the path can lead to big trouble when you’re traveling fast. Be mindful of any rocks, tree stumps, or other obstacles on the hill. You’ll even want to look out for big clumps of snow, as hitting a solid mound could cause you to fly off your sled and become injured.
Your Sled Choice Matters
While kids are often drawn to the brightest colored, coolest-looking sled, it’s important also to choose a sled based on safety. Look for a sled that gives the rider steering and braking capability – this will give the rider more control of their speed and path, allowing them to divert from any potentially dangerous situations.
Additionally, don’t pile multiple riders onto a single-person sled. More weight on the sled means higher speed going down, which can be disastrous.
Feet First
Always ride your sled with your feet going downhill first. This way, if you are to hit something, your feet will take the hit instead of your head. Sitting feet first also gives the rider more control over the sled’s speed and direction.
Always Watch Your Children
We understand that the idea of standing in the cold watching your kids ride sleds doesn’t sound like the most fun activity. However, it would help if you never let your kids go sledding unsupervised. Having an adult at the scene is essential:
- You’ll be more cognizant of risks than the children are
- You can enforce safe sledding rules
- In case of an accident, you can be there quickly to help or transport the injured child to a hospital
Sledding Accident Liability
If you or your child were injured while sledding on public or private property, you might have grounds for a personal injury claim.
There are three key components in a sledding liability case:
- Permission: Did the landowner permit you to sled there?
- Ownership: who owns the land used for sledding, and did they fail to maintain its safety?
- Risk: was the risk of injury clear to the sledders, or were there hidden risks?
Depending on the circumstances of the accident and answers to these questions, you may be able to secure compensation after a sledding accident. Consult with a personal injury attorney to learn more about your legal options.
Kansas City Personal Injury Attorneys
If you or a loved one are involved in a sledding accident this winter, contact our team at DiPasquale Moore. We can establish liability for the accident and fight for you to deserve the compensation. We’re here when you need us: (816) 888-7500.