Snow and ice can not only make walking on sidewalks awkward and clumsy—they can also make it dangerous. Icy conditions put pedestrians at high risk of slipping and falling, which can cause serious injuries.
Read on to learn practical and actionable tips to stay safe this winter while walking through snow and ice as a pedestrian. If you were injured because of an icy sidewalk someone else was responsible for maintaining, Richmond Vona can help you pursue a negligence claim.
Why Walking on Snow and Ice Can Be Dangerous
Everyone knows that ice is slippery and can be dangerous to walk across. However, ice is not always easy to notice and avoid, sometimes blending in with its surroundings as “black ice.” Snow can also conceal patches of ice and reduce visibility in general during blizzards.
Following these safety measures can significantly reduce your risk of slipping and falling while walking on snow and ice.
8 Essential Winter Walking Safety Tips as a Pedestrian: Your Complete Guide
1. Choose Proper Winter Footwear
Some might balk at the cost of high-end winter boots, but effective footwear is a bargain compared to medical bills from a slip and fall injury. Good winter boots will have slip-resistant soles with deep treads, waterproof materials to avoid ice build-up, and insulation that keeps your feet warm without reducing your mobility.
Taking care of your gear will also save you money in staying on your feet and not having to purchase new footwear. Regularly clean debris from the treads to ensure your soles keep their traction. If you notice your boots are starting to lose their effectiveness (wearing out, losing traction, or failing to keep your feet warm or dry), it may be time for a new pair.
2. Avoid Carrying Heavy Loads
Carrying heavy items can shift your center of gravity and mess with your sense of balance, increasing your risk of slipping and falling on snow or ice. Walking with free hands can help keep you more stable.
Other tips include using backpacks, carts, or sleds when possible, allowing you to keep the weight of the objects centered. You can also attempt to make multiple trips instead of carrying several items at once.
If you must carry a large object by yourself, make sure to maintain a strong posture and walk slowly and deliberately to keep your balance.
3. Master the Safe Walking Technique
The safest way to traverse snow and ice is to imitate the experts and “walk like a penguin.” This includes:
- Leaning slightly forward to keep your center of gravity in front of you.
- Using short, shuffling steps, keeping your feet flat on the ground.
- Keeping your hands out of your pockets and your arms extended on your sides for stability.
Penguins walk the way they do because it helps them safely navigate icy conditions. Taking their lead can help you do the same while walking on sidewalks, sloped streets, subway entrances, and more.
4. Plan and Scout Your Route
Planning ahead and using the safest route to get to your destination can significantly lower your risk of a slip and fall accident. While New Yorkers are legally required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks, some property owners are better than others at observing these laws.
To stay safe, avoid poorly maintained walkways and stick to well-traveled, high-traffic areas with good lighting. Black ice can be hard to spot on crosswalks, so watch closely.
Before departing, monitor weather reports and make sure to plan ahead to avoid the worst times of the day for icy conditions. Weather apps and community resources can help you plan the safest possible route.
5. Maintain Visibility and Stay Visible
To stay safe in the winter, it’s important to be able to see and be seen by others. Shorter daylight hours and intense snowstorms can make it difficult to see hazards. Others, such as drivers, can become hazards if they can’t see you.
Using a small flashlight or headlamp in low-visibility environments can help you see oncoming threats and avoid black ice. Wearing reflective gear or bright clothing can help you stay visible to others. Staying out of poorly lit areas or blind spots, such as alleyways or driveways, can also reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
6. Use Support Systems Effectively
When help is available to you, taking advantage of it is always the safest option. Be sure to use handrails or other walking aids when you encounter them.
Physical supports aren’t the only systems that can help you, however. Community-based groups and resources can also help you develop safe habits and find helpful information. You may be able to find groups to walk with, improving your safety and visibility.
Resources and community safety programs can help you find the right public transportation options, as well as contact information for city services if you discover hazardous walkways or road conditions. Local municipalities often have information and services available through 311 helplines.
7. Manage Time and Schedules
Walking slowly and deliberately is the safest way to travel through snow and ice. Rushing to your next destination can raise your risk of slipping and falling, so planning ahead and managing your time effectively is key to staying safe in the winter.
Be sure to allow extra travel time for your commutes, giving you breathing room so you can avoid hurrying. If you need to take public transportation, check your transit schedules and the weather forecast in advance to ensure you have plenty of time to navigate icy surfaces and safely complete your trip.
If you can work remotely or adjust your hours to avoid severe weather conditions, take advantage of your job’s flexibility. If not, communicate with your employer about potential weather delays to ensure they prioritize worker safety.
8. Prepare for Emergencies
Winter emergencies can strike when you least expect them, so it’s important to be prepared for the worst. Make sure to assemble a winter safety kit of essential items to bring with you while walking in snow and ice, including a small first aid kit, a flashlight, traction cleats, and emergency contact information.
If you are involved in an accident or witness one, check for injuries immediately. If you’re seriously hurt, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you’re able, take photos and notes documenting the scene of the accident. This can serve as crucial evidence if you pursue a personal injury claim later.
What Are Your Rights as a Pedestrian to Safe Walkways?
In most New York municipalities, property owners must remove snow from public sidewalks in a reasonable amount of time after a storm. Upstate cities like Buffalo and Rochester have their own local laws. Failing to abide by these laws and keep walking paths safe could expose individuals to premises liability claims. If they contribute to the cause of an accident, municipalities can be held liable too.
You have a right to safely travel through public walkways. If you get hurt because someone wasn’t fulfilling their responsibility to keep their sidewalks safe, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim.
Hurt on Icy Sidewalks? Richmond Vona’s Personal Injury Lawyers Are Here for You
It’s important to be cautious when navigating snowy or icy walkways, but accidents can happen no matter what you do to prevent them. If you’ve been injured on an icy sidewalk because of someone else’s negligence, our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has extensive experience handling premises liability cases, including slip and fall injuries. We’ve recovered more than $175 million in verdicts and settlements for our clients, and we’re ready to take on your case. Contact us online or call (716) 500-5678 today to schedule a free consultation.
