Snow Play & Sledding Safety
By following safe driving tips, wearing proper clothing, and following the snow play safety tips below, you can help keep you and your family stay safe during snow play activities.
Whether using a sled, toboggan or disk, riders should always use proper safety equipment:
- First Layer is the layer that is closest against your skin. The best are synthetic fabrics that “wick” moisture away from your skin, keeping you dry. Avoid cotton such as denim pants, as cotton retains moisture that will conduct heat away from your body and make you cold.
- Second Layer of clothing are fabrics such as fleece of wool, non-absorbing fabrics that keep you warm.
- Third Layer is the outer layer fabrics that are wind and water proof.
- Gloves (preferably waterproof)
- Boots (preferably waterproof)
- Helmet: When riding a sled downhill head first, you have a high risk of head injury. If your head is not protected and you crash into something solid like a tree or rock at 20-miles per hour, that can be deadly.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen on exposed skin areas regularly, especially on lips.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic non-carbonated liquids such as water or energy drinks to prevent dehydration.
Sleds, toboggans, and snow disks:
- Children age 5 to 9 are the most at risk for sledding injuries; parents of young children should not let them sled alone.
- Make sure the sledding path does not cross traffic and is free of hazards such as trees, fences, rocks, wire, bare spots.
- Check to see that the incline is not too steep or icy and that there is a level run-off at the end so that the sled can come to a halt safely. Teach older children to check for hazards.
- Do not sled on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds. The best place to toboggan is a sledding hill in a park.
- NEVER hitch sledding equipment behind a moving vehicle. The results can be deadly.
- Snow disks and plastic sliders are designed to be used while sitting in an upright position. No one should ever ride while standing up
If you have to be on the roads, make sure prepare your vehicle ahead of time:
- Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and heater are in excellent condition.
- Check your antifreeze and be ready for colder temperatures. You may want to add special solvent to your windshield washer reservoir to prevent ice from forming.
- Check your tires. Make sure they are properly inflated and the tread is in good condition.
- Other suggested items to carry in your car are an ice scraper or commercial de-icer, a broom for brushing snow off your car, a shovel to free you car if it is “snowed in”, sand or burlap for traction if your wheels should become mired in snow and an old towel to clean your hands.
- Take along water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing. A lengthy delay will make you glad you have them.
- Weather conditions may warrant detouring traffic from the main roadway. It is strongly suggested that drivers always keep an updated map containing the areas of travel.
- Put an extra car key in you pocket.
Use these safe driving tips:
- Allow enough time. Trips take longer during snow conditions or icy roads. Get an early start. Allow extra reach your destination.
- Keep your gas tank full. It may be necessary to change routes, or be caught in traffic.
- Keep windshield and windows clear. You may want to stop at a safe turnout to us use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.
- Slow down. A highway speed of 65 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but an invitation for trouble on snow and ice.
- Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
- Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles. Visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow moving equipment.
- When stalled, stay with your vehicle. Conserve fuel while maintaining warmth. Be alert to exhaust or monoxide problems.
This information provided by the Los Angeles Department of Public Health.
For more weather safety tips, check out the PhillyHealthInfo.org Weather Safety page.
