ITASCA, Ill. (WISH) — Sledding children can reach speeds of 20 mph, making safety precautions essential for preventing serious injuries this winter, according to the National Safety Council. The Illinois-based nonprofit council, founded in 1913 and chartered by Congress, is dedicated to eli minating preventable deaths and injuries. The council’s website says common accidents happen when a sled hits a stationary object or when a child falls off the equipment. To reduce the risks, parents are advised to purchase sleds equipped with steering mechanisms and brakes. Safety guidelines also recommend that all sledders wear helmets to prevent skull fractures. Supervision is a primary safety factor for younger children. Parents should remain at the hill with children under age 10 rather than dropping them off at the location. The choice of location also impacts the risk of injury. Safety guidelines recommend using spacious, gently sloping hills that feature a level run-off at the end to allow the sled to come to a safe stop. Families should inspect the terrain before sledding begins. Slopes should be checked for bare spots, holes and obstructions such as fences, rocks, poles or trees. Water hazards present significant risks during winter activities. Sledding should not take place on or around frozen lakes, streams or ponds. Proper riding form is required to maintain safety on the slopes. Children should sit on top of the sled with their feet pointing downhill and should never sled headfirst. Equipment maintenance and proper clothing are also necessary. Sleds should be inspected to ensure they are free of sharp edges or cracks. Sledders should wear thick gloves or mittens and heavy boots to protect against both injury and frostbite. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security said in a Feb. 2 social media post, “Sledding can be a fun winter activity, but it can also be dangerous. Across the country, multiple teens have died in sledding accidents this winter, often due to high speeds, hard obstacles or unsafe locations.” Indiana does not track sledding injuries. The U.S. was estimated to have more than 22,000 sledding-related injuries from 2008 to 2017, according to 2021 research published in the National Library of Medicine. The research sampled 100 hospital emergency rooms, and noted sledding-related injuries decreased over the study period. This story was formatted for WISHTV.com using AI-assisted tools. Our editorial team reviews and edits all content published to ensure it meets our journalistic standards for accuracy and fairness. ...read more read less