If you live in a snowy area, such as New Jersey or New York, chances are pretty high that you will see snow. You might even see snow that stays on the ground for quite a while, preventing you from enjoying outdoor activities. At some point, regardless of the snow, you may have to walk somewhere snow is still present.
Maybe you must go to the tool shed regardless of the remaining inch of snow on the ground along the path to the shed. Or you might be the one responsible for shoveling out your car. While taking extra safety precautions applies to everyone, there are certain populations who are in need of more care than others. Elderly residents, persons who have injuries affecting their legs, and those who are recovering from a recent illness such as the flu or Covid and are still weak all need to take extra care when walking outside in winter conditions.
There are a variety of approaches that you can take to protect yourself from falling in the snow, according to multiple sources (see the end of the article for links). The importance of these precautions increases for people who are older who may be more prone to have a bone break, but even the youngest among us can fall and get a broken bone, especially on ice and snow. So if you must go outside, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of falling.
For a more complete list of things you can do, visit the list at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/practitioner-pro/bc-guidelines/fall_prevention_patienthandoutstayfallfreeinwinter.pdf
One of the most important things you can do is to plan ahead. So as the seasons change, check your closet and make sure you have a good pair of shoes with good grips, whether they are boots or another type of shoe. You can also buy ice cleats, which you attach to the bottoms of whatever shoes you will be wearing. You still need to be careful when treading on ice, even with these types of protection. These should never be worn indoors, though, since they make it easier to slip on flooring. If you walk with a cane, you should have an ice tip for it to use in winter conditions.
When choosing footwear, use shoes that your foot does not move around in, and that has a secure back and good ankle support. Don’t wear shoes with soles that are too thick, such as more than 2.5 inches, as these can make it difficult to tell how your ankle is positioned. According to the Canadian Association of Retired People, older adults are more likely to fall while wearing slippers. High heels are also much less safe for older people who are in danger of falling to wear, and this is especially so when there is snow and ice on the ground. Heels should not be worn in winter weather, including heels on boots. Flatter shoes are much safer.
In addition to these sensible precautions, which depending on your area should be in November or before, there are ways to stay safer when walking in winter weather or when there is ice or snow on the ground. When you are going to leave your house during winter weather, make sure that you allow yourself enough time so that you don’t have to rush. When you are rushing, you are more likely to be careless while walking, which can cause you to slip and fall.
Make sure that if you are leaving your house by yourself that you bring your cell phone with you. That way, you can call someone in case you do fall. However, do not use your phone to talk or text while navigating ice or snow or while walking outside. It is an unnecessary distraction. One of the most important things that you can do if you do fall is not try to get up on your own, especially if you fell on snow or ice. Most people who get injured do so by trying to get up and slipping and falling again. Always call someone who can help you to get up.
In order to avoid falling, there are a number of things you can do. Always look ahead of you while you are walking. If there is ice or snow in your path, see if you can find a way around it that is cleared. If you see a dark spot on a sidewalk or street, assume that it is ice. If you can go around it, that is safer. When you are out walking, take small steps and make sure your hands are not in your pockets. Keep your hands out to the side and keep your feet turned outward and your knees slightly bent and relaxed.
When the snow does fall, if you can hire someone to clear the ice and snow from your walkways and by your car doors, that would be ideal. You can also use de-icer on your sidewalks, driveways, and walkways, and you can ask a neighbor or friend to help you clear your sidewalks if you live alone and cannot do it yourself.
One important point, which was mentioned by the Canadian resource, is to remember that inactivity can be damaging to your health, and it can increase your risk for falls as a risk factor by itself. So if you decide to stay indoors when there is ice and snow outside, make sure you do some sort of exercise that is suitable for doing indoors. There are many videos and websites that can guide you if you are unfamiliar, and even your doctor or physical therapist can give you handouts with exercises that are safe for elderly patients to do at home.
According to CDC, every year one million adults are injured by falling. This rate increases during the winter months, especially where snow and ice are common. By taking sensible precautions, including the above, you can prevent yourself from falling and getting injured.
Additional information can be found on:
Canadian Association for Retired Persons
Photo by Josh Hild
Has one comment to “Preventing Falls When You Are Walking On Snow Or Ice – Or During Winter Conditions”
Anon_Postpartum_Massage_Practitioner - January 29, 2025
Very important information.
I slipped once a long time ago on a college campus.
I was in pain for months.
I probably should have stayed put and taken out of there in an ambulance.
No one told me I should even file an accident report.