Falls can happen to anyone and are even more common on snow and ice. The CDC reports the one out of five falls results in serious injuries like broken bones or head injuries. Here are some tips for preventing wintertime falls on snow and ice:
Keep your driveway, porch, steps, and walkways clear of snow and ice.
Choose proper footwear with nonslip soles.
Test your travel path by sliding your shoe or boot to check for unseen ice.
Keep your hands out of your pockets and don’t carry heavy items that will make you unstable, so you can use your arms to help you balance.
Walk like a penguin on icy patches. Spread your feet slightly apart. Take short, shuffling steps and walk as flatfooted as possible.
Be careful when entering and exiting your vehicle. Hold onto your vehicle to support yourself.
If you feel yourself starting to fall, try to relax your muscles and fall on a fleshy part of your body like your side.
Walk cautiously, don’t rush, and stay safe this winter!