Now that winter is here and snow blankets much of Pennsylvania, children throughout the state have bundled up, pulled their sleds out of storage and headed to local sliding hills for what they likely consider carefree winter fun. For residents of one Pennsylvania borough however, the trip to the hill may not actually be so carefree.

In an apparent effort to reduce accidents, Beaver Borough now requires all children under the age of 12 participating in sledding activities, at two local parks, to wear a helmet. In addition, the borough has banned anyone who is not a resident of the borough from sledding at the parks. One park has been closed to sledding due to an accident.

According to the manager of Beaver Borough, the changes are at least in part due to recommendations provided by the company that insures the borough. He said the restrictions have been put in place "to insure the safety of the community."

While many parents have nostalgic memories of time spent on snow covered hills, the reality is the activity can be quite dangerous. When children collide with objects or other people at high speeds, serious injuries can be sustained, including those to the head and neck. In some cases these injuries can be severe and have long term effects.

Under some circumstances, a person who is hurt in a sledding accident may be able to recover compensation for the injuries sustained. If the injured person is a child and he or she is facing a lifetime of disability this may be especially helpful. An experienced personal injury attorney can help determine the best way to proceed.

Source: My FOX phoenix, "Pennsylvania Borough Reportedly Bans Non-Residents From Sledding at 2 Parks," Dec. 30, 2011