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The Erie Times News has an article that I think is a good, though often overlooked, safety issue: the dangers of sled riding.  Although sled riding is a popular activity that seems relatively safe, more than 160,000 people were hurt in sled riding-related activities in 2007, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Most sledding mishaps are minor, but local emergency rooms have treated some serious concussions and spinal injuries resulting from sledding accidents in recent years. To reduce the risk of injury here are several tips for safe sled riding:

• Avoid hills that have a street or body of water near the bottom. If you go too fast you could end up in the roadway or the water.
• Check for and avoid any sledding hill that has trees, posts, fences or other obstacles in its path.
• Choose a sled that you can steer instead of discs, inner tubes, and toboggans. Don't use plastic sheets that can be punctured by objects on the ground.
  
• Do NOT sled head-first down a hill. You should be seated and facing forward so you can steer and so your head isn't the first thing to make contact in a collision.
  
• When climbing back up a hill, be alert and on the lookout for oncoming sled riders who may not be able to steer their sleds.
  
• Consider using a helmet for children riding particularly fast sleds.
  
• Younger children should always be supervised by an adult.
  
• Sled at night only in well-lighted areas.
  
• Do NOT drink alcohol before sledding as it makes you more susceptible to the cold and leads to bad decisions.

Remember, have fun and stay safe as you enjoy the winter weather!