Adults should closely monitor winter fun to prevent serious injuries.
Winter Fun Turns Tragic After 16-Year-Old Girl Killed While Sledding Behind Jeep
A winter activity turned deadly in North Texas after a teenage girl was killed in a sledding accident involving a vehicle, according to a report from News4SanAntonio.¹
Police say the incident happened in Frisco, where two 16-year-old girls were sledding through a neighborhood while being pulled by a Jeep Wrangler. At some point, something went wrong, and the sled struck a curb and a tree.
Both girls were rushed to the hospital in critical condition. One of the teens later died from her injuries, while the other remained in critical condition as of Monday morning.
Authorities reported that the driver of the Jeep was also 16 years old. Police have not said whether criminal charges will be filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Did You Know?
More than 20,000 children are treated for sledding-related injuries each year, according to data from the National Safety Council.²
Why Sledding Behind Vehicles Is So Dangerous
Winter storms don’t happen often in Texas, affording a rare opportunity for outdoor winter fun, like sledding. But sledding accidents can turn serious very quickly—especially when sleds are pulled behind cars or trucks.
Vehicles are not designed to tow people for recreation. Even at relatively low speeds, drivers have limited ability to control or stop a sled if something goes wrong. When a sled veers off course, it can strike fixed objects with devastating force.
Some of the biggest dangers include:
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Loss of control as speed increases
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Inability to steer or brake effectively
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Collisions with curbs, trees, parked cars, or mailboxes
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Far greater impact force than traditional sledding
What may feel slow inside a vehicle can be deadly once a sled hits a solid object.
Common Sledding Injuries in Children and Teens
Sledding injuries often happen suddenly and involve significant force. Children and teenagers are especially vulnerable because their bodies are still developing, and protective gear is rarely used.
Serious sledding injuries can include:
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Head and traumatic brain injuries
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Broken bones and fractures
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Neck and spinal injuries
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Internal injuries
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Severe cuts, bruising, or road rash
Head injuries are particularly serious, especially when helmets are not worn.
Teen Drivers and Increased Risk
Teen drivers are still developing judgment and decision-making skills. When combined with peer pressure and excitement, this can lead to underestimating how dangerous it is to tow a sled with a vehicle.
Parents should have clear conversations with teens about winter activities and set firm rules about what is and is not allowed—especially when vehicles are involved.
Sledding Safety Tips for Parents
Safe sledding should always be slow, controlled, and far away from traffic. Parents can reduce the risk of serious injury by following a few important guidelines:
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Never allow sledding behind cars or trucks
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Choose gentle hills that are clear of obstacles
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Make sure an adult is supervising at all times
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Have children wear helmets and warm, protective clothing
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Avoid sledding at night or in low-visibility conditions
Taking these precautions can prevent accidents from turning tragic.
What to Do If Your Child Is Injured in a Sledding Accident
If your child is injured while sledding, medical care should always come first. Even if the child seems fine, head and neck injuries may not be immediately obvious and can worsen over time, so get them checked out just in case.
Parents should also:
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Document where and how the accident happened
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Keep medical records and hospital bills
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Avoid speaking with insurance companies before understanding their options
Serious injuries may require long-term treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up care.
When Legal Help May Be Needed
Some sledding accidents happen because of unsafe decisions, lack of supervision, or dangerous use of vehicles. When a child is seriously injured or killed, families often have questions about accountability, insurance coverage, and financial support.
Every case depends on the specific facts, including who was involved, how the accident occurred, and whether negligence played a role. Getting clear information can help families make informed decisions during an incredibly difficult time.
Was Your Child Injured or Killed in a Sledding Accident? Call Shaw.
Losing a child—or watching your child suffer serious injuries—in a sledding accident is every parent’s worst nightmare. If your family was affected by a sledding accident, you may be entitled to compensation for things like:
- Emergency treatment and ambulance costs,
- Pain and suffering,
- Ongoing or long-term medical care,
- Wrongful death damages,
- And more.
We’ll help you find out for free.
Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 to speak with an experienced child injury lawyer in Texas. There are no fees, no obligations, and no pressure—just straightforward legal guidance when you need it most.
We look forward to serving you.