SALT LAKE CITY - Sledding injuries may not be on the rise, but the severity of them is causing doctors to be concerned.
"We're seeing concussions and broken bones," said Bradley Morris, a physician assistant for the Intermountain Trauma Center.
Morris points out that many parents will wear helmets when teaching their kids to ski and snowboard, but that it's an afterthought when it comes to sledding.
Visiting Sugar House Park Monday afternoon, sledders chose to forego the use of a helmet, and the use of a sled for that matter.
"We're using plastic and booster seats," said Cate Allen.
Allen's friend and daughter were in town visiting from Vietnam. The little girl riding a booster seat seemed to throw caution to the wind, and did so with a smile on her face.
"We're pretty safe," Allen reassured. "It's all good."
Other sledders have seen an increase in accidents this winter.
"Tumbling, twisting, turning," Brian Darner describes some of the other sledders.
Darner and his wife said they bumped heads once or twice and have had a few bruises, but haven't decide to strap on head gear yet.
"Maybe we should invest in some helmets, but I'm kind of old school,” Darner said.
