Every year, there are tragic stories of people whose lives have been changed forever by a winter sports accident. With the emphasis on speed and daring, many winter sports are high risk affairs. Skiing, snowboarding, sledding, and tobogganing can provide fun and thrills, but if proper precautions aren't taken, can lead to disaster. The American Association of Neurologic Surgeons (AANS) estimates that over 4000 significant head and neck injuries will result from winter sports accidents this season. These injuries can range from concussions to intracranial bleeding, spinal cord injuries. When the injury is severe, cognitive impairment, paralysis, or even death may result.
According to the AANS, in order to prevent winter sports injuries, the following precautions are advised:
Use Helmets for Head Protection
Helmets should be sports-specific. It is not advised to use a bicycle helmet, for example, as head protection for skiing or sledding. Additionally, helmets should be approved by the ASTM. This certification insures that the helmet will provide the expected protection.
Wear Appropriate Clothing for the Sport
Clothes should be warm enough to prevent skin damage from cold temperatures. It is best to use clothing with moisture wicking properties, to avoid build up of sweat on the body, which could lead to uncomfortable chilling later in the day. Additionally, proper gloves or mittens should be chosen, to allow for needed manual dexterity. Eyewear is an often overlooked item for infrequent winter sports participants. Sun blocking goggles will protect the eyes from damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays, and from physical damage from flying snow, ice, and other debris.
Follow all Posted Warning Signs – They are There for a Reason
In this extra of “extreme” sports, many weekend warriors get carried away when on the slopes or on the ice. This includes skiing “out of bounds”, or beyond the marked territory of a mountain, or ice skating on unfamiliar lakes. Be sure to look for posted warnings, and heed them. The signs are put there to keep people safe, not just to spoil the fun.
Never Go Down a Slope Head First
This applies primarily to sledding and tobogganing, where the temptation is to increase the thrill of the ride by sliding downhill head first. This is a recipe for disaster. If the rider loses control and crashes, his/her head and neck will take the maximum force of impact from the collision. Severe injuries are very likely in this scenario. Sledders should always slide down feet first.
Always Use a Sled That Can Be Steered
For obvious reasons, sleds that can be steered are preferred over non-steerable models. The ability to steer away from trouble can save the sledder from serious injury.
By following these tips, winter sports can be fun for all, and safer too.
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