NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — All week, kids across the mid-state have been outside playing in the snow and ice but that can lead to injuries and in one case even death.
Vanderbilt University officials say that since Sunday doctors at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt have treated many weather-related injuries:
- 32 sledding injuries
- 6 motor vehicle crashes
- 5 falls
In Franklin, a mother was injured saving her 3-year-old who fell in the Harpeth River while sledding. And in Brentwood, a 9-year-old died when he was being pulled by an ATV and hit a mailbox.
While sledding is a ton of fun, especially here in Tennessee where snow we don't often get this much snow. Officials are reminding parents to take safety precautions.
Dr. Marla Levine at the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt shared tips to keep kids safe. "Perhaps the most important piece of medical advice I’d like to share is a sled should never be pulled by a motorized vehicle," Levine said.
If possible, she said children should wear helmets and sled feet first. "So clear of any trees, clear of cars, and obviously clear of any water sources," Levine said.
Brentwood police also released the following safety tips to remember:
- Children should have an adult with them when they go sledding.
- Avoid sledding in areas where there are any obstacles such as fences, trees, poles, etc.
- Always go downhill feet first.
- Have only the recommended number of passengers on a sled.
- Never have a sled pulled by a vehicle.
- Do not sled around lakes, streams, or ponds.
- Wear heavy clothing to protect you from the elements and injuries
