How To Avoid Slip And Fall Accidents In The Winter
We’re in the depths of winter, and while parts of the country prepare for a huge snowstorm, we thought it would be an appropriate time to remind our readers about how to avoid slip and fall accidents during this cold, snowy, and icy time of year. Of course, no matter how careful you are, accidents can still occur. If you or a family member are involved in a slip and fall accident, we suggest contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer after first ensuring any medical needs are addressed.
Be careful about where and how you walk
Not all walking surfaces are cleared at the same time through the winter. Additionally, some areas that look clear can have ice on them, requiring you to carefully watch where you’re stepping. Pay close attention to whether there ice, slush, snow, or other hazards on all sidewalks and pathways. Even paths with sand or salt added to them can contain slippery areas if the sand or salt was not evenly applied. In addition to looking before you walk it may be a good idea to take smaller steps and move at a slower pace during the winter.
When getting out of your car, or any other vehicle, pay attention to where you’re placing your foot, and use any hand holds if available. Just like when walking, be sure to move slowly and deliberately when entering or exiting a vehicle.
Wear appropriate footwear
It’s also a good idea to wear appropriate footwear during the winter. Boots or shoes with soles that provide extra traction can go a long way in preventing a slip and fall. When running, wearing smoother-soled footwear, or on especially icy days, you may want to consider wearing strap on traction cleats.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of opportunities to use handrails whenever available. This is especially applicable to people who have to use outside stairs to get to or from work or school. Slipping on a stairway can lead to serious injury.
Be careful when walking Indoors
Even when walking inside in the winter, you should still pay close attention to the ground. There could be slush, water, ice, or snow that has been brought inside, creating slippery conditions where you might not be expecting them.
It’s a good idea to help prevent accidents by wiping your feet when transitioning from outside to inside. Not only will you be doing yourself a favour by getting any slippery material off of your shoes or boots, but you’ll also reduce the risk of injury to others by not tracking snow or ice any further than necessary.
Ultimately, there’s nothing you can do to completely eliminate your chance of slipping or falling, but being careful when walking in the winter can go a long way to reducing the chances of an accident. If you are unfortunately involved in a slip and fall, it is best to contact the personal injury lawyers of Derfel Injury Law as soon as possible. We work tirelessly to help our clients achieve maximum compensation for their injuries, while providing compassionate, thorough advice. Please call us at 416.847.3580 or reach us online to schedule a visit at the individual office closest to you.