Although you can slip and fall at any time of the year, these accidents are heightened in the wintertime. Ice can make walking conditions on sidewalks, parking lots, and even outside your home dangerous, while melted snow can make floors inside slippery. By following the tips below, you can reduce the chances of sustaining a personal injury as a result of a fall. 

5 Tips for Avoiding a Slip & Fall

1. Wear Shoes With Traction

Walking across slippery surfaces is inevitable in the wintertime. Therefore, it’s essential to wear snow boots with built-in traction or sneakers to avoid slips. If your workplace attire requires formal footwear or if you’re heading to an event, wear shoes with traction en route to the workplace or event hall, and then change into formal footwear. 

2. Evaluate Your Surroundings

Don’t assume that store owners mop melted snow or landlords clear the ice off sidewalks in front of homes. When running errands or visiting friends, it’s important to remain vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings at all times to avoid an unwanted slip and fall accident. 

3. Correct Your Vision

If you require corrective eyewear, make sure it’s up-to-date. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, visit an eye doctor annually to renew your prescription. It’s also wise to wear sunglasses when walking in the snow so your vision isn’t impaired by reflective light. 

4. Keep Hats & Scarves Away From Your Eyes

When bundling up, avoid wearing hats and scarves that can block a portion of your vision. If you cannot see where you’re going, slipping, tripping, or falling is essentially inevitable when walking in the snow. 

5. Ask for Help

If there are no railings available near staircases or outside walkways, ask for help. Hold on to a friend or family member—and don’t forget to offer the same help to older loved ones who may need it. 

If you sustained injuries from a slip and fall accident, the team at Bellotti Law Group, PC in the Greater Boston area can help. This full-service firm has the resources to resolve even the most complicated legal issues. In addition to personal injury law, their areas of expertise include criminal defense, civil litigation, estate planning, and family law. To schedule a free case evaluation with an attorney, call (617) 225-2100. To read more about their slip and fall and premise liability experience, visit their website.