The commute to work or school continues even when winter temperatures fall and snow and ice cover roads and walkways. Winter slip-and-fall accidents can seriously injure pedestrians in the same way car crashes injure motorists on slick roads. Keep control of yourself when walking by adding traction control to your shoes.
Shoe Add-Ons
Your regular work or school dress or casual shoes might not provide enough traction in the snow and ice. If you can, choose a shoe with thick tread to increase the surface area of potential friction-producing surfaces. As an alternative, purchase slip-on shoe snow cleats that help your foot break the slick surface of the snow and ice with each step and firmly grasp the walkway.
Some work boots have an accessory option of add-on snow cleats. You place the cleats one by one into the sole of the boot and take them off when you no longer need them. If you wear removable snow cleats or a slip-on snow cleat overshoe, remember to take them off when you get to your destination since the cleats can damage floors.
To protect your shoes, try an overshoe that slips over your regular shoe. An overshoe made of rubber or polyurethane can provide more traction than a slick sole. If you can find an overshoe with some texture on the sole, it might work even better to reduce slipping.
One study published in the July 3, 2009, "New Zealand Medical Journal" suggests that wearing a regular sock over your shoes or boots might increase traction and reduce winter slip and fall accidents dramatically. Although the look of socks over shoes or boots might not be the best fashion statement, in a pinch it can help keep you safe.
Other Safety Tips
When walking outdoors in slippery conditions, stay on treated surfaces as much as possible. Even then, there can be ice and slick spots that you can't see, so slow down and take shorter strides. Keep your body low when walking to increase your balance.
If you start to fall, resist the urge to catch yourself with your arms. Tuck your head and chin and try to roll to avoid falling with the full force on your head.