20,000 sledding injuries happen in US each year
More than 20,000 children in America are injured each year when they go sledding, it has been found.Research into sledging-related injuries from 1997-2007 found a shocking 229,023 under-19-year-olds had required hospital treatment.
Analysis of accidents found that the most common injuries were fractures (26%), followed by cuts and bruises (25%).
The study also revealed the majority of injuries occurred during a collision (51%), with the head was the most commonly injured body part (34%).
Use of motorised vehicles to pull sledges was also said to be one of the reasons for an increase in accidents… which is a shame given how much fun it is.
"Two of the main factors that contribute to sledding-related injuries are the environment and locale," said Lara McKenzie, PhD from the Nationwide Children's Hospital.
"To reduce the risk of injury, sledding areas should be clear of trees and other obstacles and should have sufficient run-out areas away from streets.
"In addition, sledding on streets and highways should be avoided to prevent collisions with motor vehicles and other traffic."
LINKS
Nationwide Children's Hospital
"To reduce the risk of injury, sledding areas should be clear of trees and other obstacles and should have sufficient run-out areas away from streets.
"In addition, sledding on streets and highways should be avoided to prevent collisions with motor vehicles and other traffic."
LINKS
Nationwide Children's Hospital
