How To Avoid Slipping On Ice In The Winter: Essential Tips
Don’t Slip Sis! There’s A Good Chance You’re Walking On Icy Sidewalks Wrong
Winter may bring a picturesque landscape, but it also brings its own set of dangers like icy roads and walkways. Whether you’re heading out for work, running errands, or simply enjoying a winter walk, icy surfaces can quickly transform a leisurely outing into a hazardous experience. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to prevent slips and falls, ensuring that you stay safe during these chilly months.
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Shuffle from side to side like a penguin.
Experts say when you’re walking on an icy surface, it’s important to change your stride. Monica Leach, a physical therapist affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic told the HuffPost in an article published Jan. 4, that you can walk like a penguin to avoid serious falls.
When walking on slippery surfaces, it’s important to adopt a balanced and stable stance, Leach said. To achieve this, keep your knees slightly bent, placing yourself in an active position so you’re ready to adjust if needed. Point your feet slightly outward and extend your arms at your sides to help with balance. Move slowly, keeping your feet flat on the ground, almost in a shuffle, to reduce the risk of slipping. By maintaining your center of gravity directly over your feet and leaning forward just a bit, you ensure your body stays aligned and prepared to react to any shifts in balance.
Slow and steady wins the race, don’t rush the movement, Dr. Kariline Bringe, an orthopedics surgeon at Mayo Clinic Health System, added. These small and fragmented steps will ensure your feet have enough stability and friction to move safely along the ice. If handrails are near, make sure to use them to avoid or break a potential fall.
“I think the big key here is slowing down, taking these small shuffling steps,” Bringe added. “As it gets icy out there and things get slippery, the larger our steps, the more force you’re coming across. It’s going to increase the likelihood that you slip.”
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Icy falls can lead to dangerous outcomes.
In May 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that approximately 1 million U.S. adults are injured due to slips and falls every year, with the risk of injury increasing significantly as temperatures drop. Additionally, about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations occur annually among older adults. Notably, the CDC found that in 2019, falls were responsible for 83% of hip fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to hip fractures.
To avoid serious injury as we navigate this chilly and bitter winter, here are 5 more tips to keep in mind when walking along icy streets, roads, or walkways.
Know how to fall safely.
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Despite our best efforts, slips can still happen. If you do lose your footing, knowing how to fall safely can help minimize injury. Try to relax your body as you fall, which can help prevent sprains and strains. The Mayo Clinic notes that if possible, aim to land on your side or rear rather than your hands or knees to protect your joints. Avoid using your hands to break your fall, as this can lead to wrist or arm injuries. Instead, try to roll with the fall, which distributes the impact across your body.
Wear proper footwear.
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One of the most important factors in avoiding slips on ice is the footwear you choose. Make sure your shoes or boots are designed to handle slippery surfaces. Per Mayo Clinic, look for lightweight shoes with non-slip soles made of rubber, ice cleats, or snow grips. Choose footwear made with specialized materials that provide excellent traction. Avoid smooth, worn-out soles, as they won’t offer the grip you need.
Opt for waterproof boots to keep your feet dry, as snow and slush often turn to ice, increasing the chance of a slip. In addition, choose boots with insulation to keep your feet warm—cold feet can affect your balance and increase the likelihood of falling.
Avoid carrying heavy loads.
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Carrying heavy bags or other loads can interfere with your balance, making you more vulnerable to falls. If possible, avoid carrying heavy items when walking on icy surfaces. If you do need to carry something, use a backpack or crossbody bag to keep your arms free. This allows you to better balance yourself and use your arms for stability if necessary.
Be aware of your surroundings.
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Always be alert to potential hazards when walking outside during winter. Icy surfaces can be difficult to spot, especially in areas shaded by trees or near-standing water, according to the Village of Niles. These locations often hide black ice, which is hard to see but extremely slippery.
Additionally, snow can conceal patches of ice underneath, creating hidden hazards. Even seemingly clear areas can be dangerous, so stay cautious as you move through wintery landscapes. Pay particular attention to areas that get heavy foot traffic, like driveways and sidewalks, as these surfaces often become the most slippery.
Salt or sand your walkways.
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If you’re in charge of clearing walkways, using de-icing salt or sand can significantly improve safety. Salt helps melt ice, while sand provides traction, even if it doesn’t melt the ice. According to MeltSnow.com, salt works best in temperatures above 15°F (-9°C), so if the weather is colder, sand can still provide some traction, though it won’t remove the ice. Regularly shoveling snow and applying De-Icer is key to preventing thick ice buildup that could make walkways treacherous.
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