Protecting And Preserving What Matters Most: Family

Safety Tips For Walking On Ice

On Behalf of | Sep 19, 2022 | Personal Injury, Slip and Fall

Walking across ice can be a potentially dangerous situation. It is far too easy to find yourself in a position where you might slip, fall and hurt yourself. There are a few things you can do to help yourself make sure you are as safe as possible when you encounter a slippery patch of ice. Here are four simple safety tips anyone can follow:

Walk Slowly and Deliberately

The simplest and most common way to make sure you are safe is to move deliberately and slowly across patches of ice. You should be watching your steps carefully and feeling out how slippery the ground is as you shift your weight from one foot to another.

Wear the Appropriate Foot Wear

If you know you are going to be encountering ice, you might want to consider the type of boots or shoes you are going to wear. Footwear that has strong and durable treads that grip well would be a good choice. There are several brands of footwear that are designed specifically for walking in the snow or on ice, so consider those, too, especially if you encounter ice on a regular basis.

Maintain Your Center of Gravity

One of your best friends when walking on ice is your own personal balance. If you bend your knees slightly, you can lower your center of gravity. This will give you a wider stance and allow you to have better balance. This concept works much in the same way as a car that has its wheels set further apart.

Plan Your Trip Ahead of Time

If you know you are going to be walking in an area that has ice or the potential to be icy you should plan to take extra time to reach your destination. Rushing is one of the easiest ways for an accident to occur. So, leave a little earlier and take your time while you are walking.

These are just a few ways to help you stay safe when roads or walkways are icy. You understand your limits best so make sure you are comfortable moving around on ice before you try to do so. If you can, stay on clear sidewalks and walkways when you are walking. If you follow these simple tips and maintain a cautious state when walking on slippery terrain, you should be able to avoid any unfortunate accidents. Should an accident occur, however, legal help may be available.