Tobogganing and sledging accidents. Mechanisms and injuries.

A series of 271 children, injured in tobogganing and sledging accidents was studied. The typical victim in a tobogganing accident was a 5-year-old child and in a sledging accident, an 8-year-old boy. Most accidents occurred on a slope especially designated for tobogganing and sledging. Despite this, the most common accident was a collision with an obstruction. Fractures made up 41% of the injuries, and 17% of all the injured children needed admission to hospital. An elimination of trees, poles and other obstructions from these slopes would reduce the injuries, and children should not be allowed to ride these vehicles near public roads and streets.