How to Avoid Slips, Trips, and Falls in the Winter

Summary: Anyone can slip and fall when it’s icy outside, but for older people, the risk is greater. Even when performing mundane tasks like getting the mail or walking to the car, your shoes can lose their grip suddenly and unexpectedly on black ice, causing you to fall. This article provides safety tips on how to reduce the risk of winter slips, trips and falls.

While festive holidays, snowmen, and warm cozy fires are among winter’s pleasant hallmarks, the season also brings snow and icy conditions, which come with the risk of slips, trips, and falls. The chances of dangerous slips and falls are especially high as you age.

According to several studies, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults. And, among older adults who fall, the estimated annual average cost per inpatient visit for injuries is $18,658 and $1,112 per emergency department visit.¹

Experts recommend taking these precautions before you venture outside²:

• Install and use handrails for stability.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Clear your sidewalks and driveway.
• Adjust the way you walk.
• Dress for cold weather.
• Only go outside if necessary.
• Stay fit and active

Let’s look at each winter safety tip closely to learn how it can help you avoid slips, trips and falls.

Use handrails for stability

Before winter weather makes an appearance, consider installing handrails along your steps, ramps and walkways. This will give you something to hold on to when there is snow or ice on the ground.

If you already have handrails on your property, give them a thorough check before the holiday season to ensure that they don’t need any maintenance. You want everything as sturdy as possible once winter arrives.

Wear appropriate footwear

If you must walk on slippery paths or sidewalks, be sure to wear shoes or boots made for gripping and stability to avoid accidents. Shoes with soft rubber soles and winter treads are the best for traction. If your footwear isn’t up to the task, you can easily find gripper-style covers online or at many sporting goods stores.

If you use a cane, make sure the tip is winterized with a spiked tip. Wheelchair users can also winterize their mobility with snow tires or snow cleats.

Clear your sidewalks and driveway

Keep your sidewalks clear of snow and ice. Keep in mind that refreezing after snow removal means ice can easily reform.

To make icy surfaces less slippery, try sprinkling a chemical deicer, widely available at retail stores. You can also use cat litter or sand if you don’t have a deicer. No matter what you use, keep a bag handy so you can sprinkle it on slick spots you’ll have to walk across.

Adjust the way you walk

Move slowly and take smaller, shuffling steps when walking on ice. It’s also a good idea to spread your feet out wider than usual, walking in a “flatfooted” manner. Using this wider gait will help give you added stability.

Dress appropriately

Even for a quick trip to the mailbox, be sure you put on appropriate footwear, a coat and warm clothes. In the event you fall and can’t get up because of a back injury, you’d want to be dressed as warmly as possible to prevent hypothermia.

Also, always carry your cell phone. It’s your lifeline should you take a tumble and get injured.

Only go outside if necessary

If the conditions are bad enough, ask yourself if you really need to go outside. While getting the mail or taking out the garbage bins may be a part of your daily routine, it might be worth putting it off for a day in icy conditions.

Stay fit and active

Keeping fit can also help you avoid slips, trips, and falls in the winter or throughout the year. Consider integrating a stretching routine into your daily activities to improve balance and mobility. If you’re able, adding cardio workouts to your regimen can serve many health purposes, including muscle strength and greater stability.

What to do if you fall

If you slip on ice or snow, take these safety steps:

• Don’t get up right away. First, catch your breath and assess how you feel.
• If you are sure you can stand, turn onto your side, draw your knees to your chest, and push yourself up with your arms.
• If someone is helping you get up, be careful not to pull them down, too.
• If no one is around and you can’t get up, use your cell phone to call 911 for help.

Caution is your friend

It is vital to be prepared when venturing outdoors and to know what to do should you fall. At Mutual of Omaha, we believe your time outdoors in the winter can be safer and more enjoyable if you take precautions. Learn more tips on health and well-being.

FAQs

Q1: Can home modifications help you control slip, trip, and fall risks in the winter?

Another good way to control for slip, trip, and fall risks is to check your walkway before the winter weather arrives. Is the pathway from the door to the street or driveway well-maintained and even? Are stairways and ramps in good shape? To prevent slips and falls, consider what maintenance can be done now.

Q2: What are some snow shoveling safety tips?

If you have mobility challenges, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a friend, family member or neighbor to clear your sidewalks and pathways to your house rather than doing it yourself. But, if you can do it yourself, be sure to maintain a wide stance, keep your feet facing the shovel, and bend at the knees while keeping your back straight to prevent injury while shoveling snow.³

Q3: What are some winter safety tips for driving?

If you must drive in adverse winter conditions, make sure your vehicle is ready before you hit the road. You’ll want to ensure your defroster is working to keep your windshield clear, along with keeping your brakes in top condition. Winter tires are a good idea, too. As you drive, stay at lower speeds with plenty of room between you and the next vehicle so you can avoid sudden stops.

Sources:

1. National Council on Aging, Get the Facts on Falls Prevention, June 2024
2. Mayo Clinic Health System, How to avoid winter slips and falls, January 2022
3. Mayo Clinic Health System, Tips for safe snow shoveling, March 2023

Disclosures:

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