Jenny was walking to the library to check out some books. It had snowed the night before, and it was cold and icy outside. As jenny was walking, she slipped on a patch of ice and fell. “Because I wasn’t careful, I slipped on some ice. I tried to put my arms out to break my fall, but the fall ended up breaking my arm.”
When walking in icy conditions:
- Plan ahead. Give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.
- Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice, such as rubber and neoprene composite. Avoid plastic and leather soles.
- Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
- Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous.
- Look ahead when you walk. A sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.
When you have no choice but to walk on ice consider these tips:
- Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
- Bend slightly, walking flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible.
- Be prepared to fall.
- If you fall, do so with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder to avoid using your arms to protect against breakage.
- Bend your back and head forward so you don’t hit your head.
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