Preventing Injuries In The Winter

Injuries by Sport

Snow Skiing

One of the most popular winter sports, also represents some of the highest injury numbers. In 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's estimates, there were more than 131,000 injuries due to snow skiing. The overall cost of these injuries, to the healthcare system, legal system, the U.S. workforce, and you, was more than 4 billion dollars.

Snowboarding

A relatively new and very popular winter leisure choice for many Americans. But this burgeoning sport is also the one of the most dangerous of the winter sports, racking up more than 149,000 injuries in 2007.

Sledding

The winter activity that is most often enjoyed by young children. While it is safer than many other sports, sledding does offer safety risks if one is not careful. In 2007, more than 106,900 people were injured in sledding accidents--and a majority of them were under the age of 14.

Common Winter Sport-Related Injuries

Back injuries

Head injuries

Shoulder dislocation or fracture

Elbow injuries

Hand or finger injuries