On Thin Ice: How You Can Protect Yourself from Injury

CBS Boston’s long-range weather forecast predicts colder than average temperatures and higher than average snowfall this year—the perfect storm for ice. As temperatures fall, safety risks rise so it is important to be aware of these common winter risks, and how to mitigate your chance of injury this season.

Slips and Falls

Emergency rooms typically see an uptick in bone fracture admissions in the winter months, as inclement weather can cause sidewalks and parking lots to fall victim to a deceptive icy layer. Although most towns in Massachusetts impose regulations mandating snow removal from public sidewalks, ice may continue to form under a compacted layer of snow, giving the illusion of a non-slip surface and creating conditions for a trip and fall.

If you do find yourself gliding on an icy sidewalk or parking lot this winter, consider these safety precautions to help lessen your chance of a slip or fall:

• Choose the right footwear: Shoe choice is essential in helping you stay upright. Look for boots or shoes with a thick rubber sole and groves, which can provide traction.
• Wear sunglasses: Snow reflects 80 percent of the sun’s rays, giving it significant potential to impair your vision. Sunglasses can help filter the intensity of these rays, making it easier to spot and identify dangerous ice patches.
• Tread carefully: If an icy surface in unavoidable, walk in a shuffling motion, keeping feet as flat as possible to help evenly distribute your weight.

Black Ice

Whether you’re out on two feet or four wheels this winter, ice can foster dangerous travel conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, approximately 24 percent of weather-related motor accidents occur as a result of icy or snow-covered roads. This ice is often transparent, blending in with the dark pavement and earning the name, “black ice.”

If you encounter black ice on the road and find yourself sliding, don’t panic; there are several tactics that you can employ to help keep yourself safe:

• Do not hit the brakes: Although this may be your first instinct, doing so will likely cause additional sliding. Instead, let the car stop on its own – according to the U.S. Forest Service, a patch of black ice is typically no longer than 20 feet.
• Keep your steering wheel straight: If the ice causes the car to turn sharply, make small adjustments to the steering wheel in order to get yourself back on track.
• Shift into a low gear: Operating at a slower speed will give you more control over the vehicle.

Pond Breaks

As temperatures dip, outdoor activities like pond skating and fishing become popular New England pastimes. However, it is difficult to assess ice safety with the naked eye. According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, ice does not freeze uniformly, meaning that while some areas of a pond may be safe to walk on, others are not. Ice must be a minimum of four inches thick in order to support activities like skating or fishing. When approaching a pond, it is important to be mindful of surface texture. New ice is characterized by a glossy or smooth appearance, and is stronger than older, duller ice. If you have tools like a pick or nails, try making a hole in the intended area and measure the thickness of the ice wall.

If you do encounter thin ice and fall through into the water, keep calm and employ the following steps:

• Do not remove clothing: These will act as a barrier against the freezing temperatures and help you float.
• Find a solid surface: Place your hands on an unbroken segment of ice and try to lift yourself out.
• Distribute your weight evenly: Once out of the water, lie flat and roll away from the ice break.
• Change out of wet clothes: Do this as soon as possible to get your body temperature up, and seek medical attention.

Ice Injuries

While the New England winter months may drag, your health does not have to fall behind. If you do slip, trip, or experience a minor crash this winter, CareWell Urgent Care can help. Their walk-in centers will treat your injury fast and effectively, with the option of establishing a long-term recovery plan to treat ongoing injuries or strains.