Mother Nature sure has a mind of her own. March 20 may be the official first day of spring but it sure doesn’t look or feel like it. Monster piles of muck and slush, biting wind, bitter cold, and ice abound. Winter is not loosening its grip on our area.
All it takes is one patch of ice to slip and fall and it can be extremely tricky as it can be hiding under the snow and hard to detect.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 31,959 people died from unintentional falls in 2014. Of that number of fatalities, 27,044 were over the age of 65.
Many of these accidents occur in cold and icy conditions and the most common type of injuries include: back, neck and shoulder injuries; fractures and broken bones; concussions; dislocations of joints; muscle and ligament strains; and severe cuts and bruises.
Here are ten tips to avoid slips.
- Pay Attention
In these weather conditions, it is important to be aware and it is best to keep your phone out of reach. Checking email or texting is not a good idea while walking on icy sidewalks as it is imperative to look where you’re going.
- Slow Down
Walk slowly and deliberately. Your chance of falling increases when you are running late and are rushing.
- Be Safe, Not Sorry
If you suspect a certain area is slick, explore it with a toe before putting your full weight on it.
- Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets
Walking with your hands in your pockets can throw off your balance. In addition, if you do slip, by having your hands out, you may be able to break your fall.
- Don’t Carry Large Loads
If you have no choice and need to carry something and feel yourself falling, toss what is in your arms so you can break your fall.
- Lower Your Center of Gravity
Bend your knees slightly and take shorter steps
- Use Handrails
Use handrails when going up or down stairs. That’s what they are there for!
- Wear Slip Resistant Shoes
Flat footwear with rubber soles provide the best traction on ice and snow. Save your heels and leather soles for when spring has finally sprung.
- Be Cautious of Overhead Risks.
Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk.
- When Getting In and Out of a Vehicle, use the Vehicle for Support.
In order for your feet to not come out from your body when stepping in or out of your car, brace yourself on the car for support.
If you, or someone you care about, is a slip and fall accident victim, contact Rosenberg & Gluck, personal injury attorneys, for a free, confidential legal consultation to learn more about your options.
