Sledding: many head injuries, few helmets
Sledding is considered a safe sport for the whole family. However, this good reputation does not stand up to the accident statistics: more than 6,500 people are injured each year, one in six of whom injures their head. A helmet protects, but only about half of sledders wear one, as a new survey by the BFU shows. The choice of vehicle is also important: toboggans are easier to steer than rigid sleds.
Hardly any beginner skiers or snowboarders venture onto the black slopes on their first day. That's because snow sports require practice, and there's widespread agreement on that. But on the sled, everything is different - many just go for it. However, good preparation, the right equipment and a correct skiing technique are also crucial for sledging in order to reach the valley unharmed.
Accident statistics
Every year, an average of 6500 sledders have to go to Accidents medical treatment. Fatal accidents also occur - on average, one person dies each year in Switzerland while sledding. The majority of injuries occur in self-inflicted accidents. However, collisions also occur, for example with people, trees, barriers, posts or cars.
Many unprotected heads
15 % the Sledge injuries affect the head, including severe cranial and Brain Injuries. If you wear a helmet, you run a much lower risk of injuring your head in the event of a fall or collision. However, just under half of sledders ride without a helmet, as a recent survey by the BFU shows. The comparison with the ski slope is striking at all ages: while 99 % of children and young people wear a helmet on snowboards and skis, only 80 % do so when sledging. Of the adults, only 43 % sled with a helmet (ski / snowboard: 92 %).
Toboggan is the better choice
Part of the accidents is due to the choice of the vehicle: Classic toboggans such as the "Davoser" or the "Grindelwalder" are not intended as sports equipment, but for transporting loads. Those who use a toboggan instead can steer more easily and precisely.
Safe sledding means
- Wear a helmet
- Wear high, sturdy shoes with good tread - in icy conditions additionally Braking aids
- Choose marked sledding trails, obstacle-free trails or slopes with free run-off
- Use a toboggan
- The 10 sledding rules of conduct adhere
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