Surely, the importance of keeping to safety tips when walking on ice is not lost on anyone. There’s a reason the idiom “walking on thin ice” relates to being in danger. Walking on ice has its fair share of dangers. So, to avoid falls or slips that may lead to severe injuries and even death when ice walking, here are relevant measures to keep in mind as you visit the mall, go out with family, or camp in the woods.
8 Safety Tips When Walking on Ice
Wear Proper Footwear
Your footwear is a major determinant of your safety when walking on ice. To avoid slipping or falling, you have to put on appropriate shoes. So, if you find high heels or boots with slick plastic, leather, or smooth soles, now is not the time to wear them.
When ice walking, the foremost footwear recommendation is a pair of boots that features non-slip neoprene, rubber or abrasive, or flat, firm shoes. Your shoes have to fit well with the soles grooved. A footwear like this is your safest bet for firm gripping & maintaining an upright stance.
You may also consider putting on footwear specifically designed for the purpose, such as short grips or ice clears, for some additional support. However, remember to remove these when entering a building, while sitting down, or on any smooth surfaces. They may be unfit for smooth floorings like stone, tile & ceramic.
Keep Your Attention on the Road
If you’re walking on ice, your whole attention has to be on the road. Look ahead at all times, and do not read, engage in unnecessary conversations, operate your phone, listen to booming music, or any other activity that may cause you to lose your balance. You have to stay aware of traffic in all parts of the road.
Be conscious of your steps, and this means making a conscious decision of where to step next. Also, lookup & around once in a while to see if there’s any threat of danger (this includes falling ice). When you alight a vehicle, step outside and stand firmly before retrieving items from the car. Should the pavement be ice-coated, I suggest that you drive to a better spot.
If a minor is walking with you, they have to be in your front, just where you can see them & easily protect them. Keep them close to the curb.
Avoid Shortcuts
While everyone likes a shortcut, I solicit that you avoid such routes when ice is coating the whole earth. This is especially dangerous when in a hurry. Taking the main roads is much safer when walking on ice, as there are others around & there’s the possibility that the ice on such roads has been regularly cleared.
On the other hand, a shortcut may not have been cleared since the earth turned glossy & you may be walking on much more difficult terrain.
Assess Surfaces
Your visual assessment of surfaces when walking on ice has to be ongoing at all times. Assume that every wet area is icy & slippery. Sometimes, dew or water vapor gets frozen on some roads & forms a thin, nearly invisible ice layer that you may misjudge to be a wet pavement at first glance. So, use your eyes keenly; take slow, deliberate steps & approach routes with extra care.
Ice is more present during the mornings, so you should be more careful then. A road that you took yesternight may be much more slippery this morning. You can test the slipperiness of the surface by tapping it with your foot. For improved traction, you can come with some sand or gravel to spread.
Be careful when entering buildings too. Floors may be wet & you’d suffer an accident if you don’t notice this.
Walk Like a Penguin — if you can
The penguin walk requires you to spread & point out your feet. The torso is also bent forward, just as slightly as the knees should be. Try as much as you can to walk flat-footed with curled toes & heap gravity on your front leg.
Do not pocket your arms if the surface becomes too slippery. Instead, point them out sideways for extra balance. Also, go slowly when shifting weight to maintain balance.
Use A Stick — if necessary
A walking stick or pair of ski poles can help to achieve & maintain balance when ice walking, provided the height is ideal for you. To determine if a cane is appropriate for you, hold it from the end, ensuring that it is at the level of your wrist when held upside down.
For better grip, you can attach a retractable ice pick. Be cautious when on hard surfaces, as it can be slippery. Flip the stick back & that’s all. If you need extra care either due to your body or the surface, you can get a dedicated walker.
Wear Appropriate Clothing & Accessories
When ice walking, it is pertinent to see very clearly; just as important it is that others can see you as well. Put in a pair of sunglasses to protect your sight from snow blindness, but ensure that your view is not hindered.
If you can avoid it, do not carry large or heavy loads that may cause you to lose balance or block your vision. Wear brightly colored clothing & put on a reflective material like a scarf, hat, or coat to be easily noticed.
Avoid Icy Ramps & Stairs
Try as hard as you can to avoid walking on sloped areas as the combination of ice & gravity can cause you to slip or fall. However, if you can’t avoid icy stairs & inclines, have it in mind to do so slowly — while ascending & descending. Take your time, grip the handrails firmly & plant your feet strongly on each step for stability.
Concluding The Safety Tips When Walking on Ice
Keeping to the above safety tips when walking on ice is enough to ensure you suffer no accident this season. That’s by the way. Unless you’re on a winter camping trip, try as much as possible to restrict your movements on icy surfaces. Limit outings to necessary areas & stay warm indoors.