The winter season brings snow and ice that makes even the safest walkways hazardous. While a slip and fall lawyer can determine if a property owner acted negligently, there are some precautions you can take to stay safe on slippery surfaces. These tips can help you reduce the likelihood of an accident.

4 Slip & Fall Safety Tips for the Winter

1. Dress Appropriately for Your Environment

In addition to wearing a heavy coat, a scarf, hat, and gloves in winter weather, you should also spend more time evaluating your footwear. Boots with worn tread can make you more susceptible to slipping on snowy or icy ground, which is why winter is the best time of year to replace your footwear. Look for boots with skid-resistant soles and good traction.

2. Protect Your Bone Health

If you’re at risk for osteoporosis or other degenerative bone diseases, they will affect your ability to walk steadily. To counteract the effects of these conditions, it’s essential to get a sufficient supply of vitamins. Particularly, calcium and vitamin D supplements will help you develop stronger bones. You can also get vitamin D directly from sunlight, so spending more time outdoors if applicable.

3. Try to Stick to Safe Areas

Plan your route a little more carefully in the winter, especially when getting to your destination. So it can be beneficial to park near well-plowed walkways or handrails. As you walk, go at a steady pace and be wary of patches of ice. To counteract the hazard, fill a small plastic bag with kitty litter and bring it with you. As you walk, you can sprinkle the litter on the ground in front of you to provide a little more traction. 

4. Watch for Black Ice 

Black ice resembles the asphalt beneath it, so it’s more likely to affect drivers. However, when you’re walking through a parking lot, or upon another surfaced paved with asphalt, be sure to watch for thin layers of ice. You should also try to stay in areas where the surface has been treated with rock salt or sand to ensure you’ll have more traction.

If you do have a wintertime accident, it can be advantageous to contact a slip and fall lawyer soon after your accident. Fitzpatrick, Skemp & Associates LLC is experienced in handling personal injury cases, and they have obtained more than $90 million for their clients. They have been helping accident victims claim damages since 1987, offering dedicated and personal legal services to their clients. To schedule a free consultation with a slip and fall lawyer, visit their website or call (877) 784-1230.