How to avoid common cold-weather injuries

Every winter slips and fall accidents cause serious injuries. Even when surfaces don’t look especially icy or slippery, it is very likely that a thin layer of transparent ice or “Black Ice” is covering your pathway placing you at risk. When you approach a footpath or roadway that appears to be covered with ice or snow, always use extreme caution.

Top 10 safety tips for pedestrians to help avoid the risk of a broken bone that could easily lead to an operation and a long recovery:

Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing. Don’t rush. Walk with short and cautious steps. If it’s a poorly cleared sidewalk, and there’s snow on grass near it, walk in the snow.
Wear the correct footwear: shoes or boots with traction; wearing shoes and boots with ankle support is also very important to avoid ankle sprain.
Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls.
Walk on the grit. Sidewalks covered in sand or litter will help you walk more easily and you may even be able to pick up you pace (but don’t abandon caution).
Slightly bend your knees and keep your weight leaning slightly forward, and take slower, shorter steps. (You will be walking a little bit like a penguin, but it’s worth it).
If it’s a layer of ice over a base of snow, crack the ice by walking heel first. Also knock the snow off your footwear often. This will clear the grooves on the sole and allow them to create traction again.
Use ice-grips. These can be put on and removed in seconds and can be carried in a small bag or even a pocket (better to get grips with small studs). If you are in a pinch, place a plastic bag or sock over your footwear. This will increase the grip significantly.
Ice is most slippery when it is at freezing temperatures (32 °F/ 0 °C). When it is colder, it is less slippery. For footstep purposes, ice temperatures below about 24 °F / -4 °C behaves much like smooth finished concrete.
If the bottom of your footwear is warm—as when you leave your car or building—it will melt the surface of the ice and make it slippery. This is the time to move very cautiously and with very small steps. If possible, give your shoes 10–20 seconds to chill before walking normally.
Be aware of overhead hazards! Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk. In extreme cold weather icicles can build up in size very quickly and can be lethal. Their size and dagger-like formation are extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Be aware of what’s above you, and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

Now you’re ready to go out without ending up in the ER. Be safe and have fun!