Utah County Sledding – Is it Safe?

At least five serious sledding accidents over the past several days and more snow is coming!

These sledding accidents in Utah County and around the state have triggered warnings from both doctors and paramedics.

Dr. Lorin Browne, an emergency physician at Primary Children’s Medical Center, says on the right hills and in the right environment, sleds can travel as fast, or faster than a snowboard or a ski. That’s why they recommend a skiing-certified helmet.

Browne says, “The American Academy of Orthopedics actually recommends not only a helmet, but that when you go down you separate younger children from older children.”

On one side, the bigger and older children who go faster, and on the other side the younger children.

Browne also recommends parents scope out sledding areas. Look for hills no steeper than 30 degrees and a long, flat area where the sleds can slow down and come to a stop. There should be no trees, no parking lots and no streets unless there are cushioned barricades.

Read more about Utah County sledding recommendations.