Winter can be a dangerous season due to icy roads and sidewalks. However, if you take proactive steps, you can reduce your chances of accidents. Here’s how to stay safe when it’s icy.
Safety on Icy and Snow-Packed Roads
winter-related accidents are often the subject of claims handled by Anchorage lawyers. Even seasoned drivers find vehicle control difficult when winter storms hit and roads treacherous. Preparation in advance will make you and other drivers on the roads safer.
In Advance of Winter Storms
Planning should start well before the first snowfall. Good tires grip better on ice, so check your tires for enough tread. In addition to winter tires, have a safety kit in your car that includes a blanket, flashlight, and ice scraper. Whenever possible, avoid traveling during severe storms by monitoring local weather updates.
Black ice can challenge even the most careful drivers, forming unnoticed over shaded or wet road sections. To improve safety, try using your car’s winter features, like anti-lock brakes, in controlled environments so you can get used to how your vehicle handles icy roads.
Before Driving in Winter Weather
If you have to drive in snow or ice, do a thorough vehicle inspection. Clean all windows and mirrors, removing snow, ice, or fog to achieve the best visibility. Not only will your headlights illuminate your way, but they will also increase your visibility to other drivers.
Once you are on the road, keep a slow, steady speed. Sudden braking or accelerating usually results in skids on ice. If you see your car begin to slide, steer gently in the direction that you want to go, but without panic or jerks that will make it slide worse.
On the Road
When navigating snowy roads, give other vehicles space. Following too closely means you won’t have enough time to stop if the car in front of you stops suddenly. Snow tires and four-wheel drive help with traction but do not take all the risk out of icy roads.
Go slowly because going too fast takes away your control. Approach intersections carefully; many collisions occur at them, where ice and quick stops combine to cause skidding. With bridges freezing faster than any other roadway, you must be especially cautious when driving.
Prevent Slip and Falls on the Foot
Icy pavement poses severe risks to pedestrians and falls on icy pavement can cause serious injuries. For safety, buy winter shoes specially made for winter conditions. Insulated boots with deep treads will give you extra traction on icy surfaces, and ice cleats can add additional traction to existing footwear.
Take small, shuffling steps and walk flat-footed rather than striding, helping to stabilize your balance on slippery surfaces. Avoid walking in the early morning hours after freezing temperatures, as surfaces may still be covered in an invisible layer of black ice. If you are carrying items, keep them light to maintain your balance. Also, use handrails when possible, especially on stairs or icy ramps.
Walk flatfooted, taking small, shuffling steps and not striding to help stabilize your balance on slippery surfaces. Avoid walking in the early morning following freezing temperatures, as surfaces may still be covered in an invisible layer of black ice. If you’re carrying items, keep them light to keep your balance. In addition, use handrails whenever possible on stairs or ramps that may be icy.
Pouring salt or sand on high-traffic areas around your home will also help reduce ice and increase traction. Property owners can also prevent liability if someone falls by shoveling snow and de-icing walkways. Anchorage and some other cities have laws that require snow and ice to be cleared quickly to protect people and prevent injuries and legal liability.
Preventive Measures to Enhance Safety
- Choose Appropriate Footwear: Get shoes that are built for winter. Insulated boots with deep treads will help you find a grip on icy surfaces. Additional traction can also be added to existing footwear with ice cleats.
- Improve Walking Techniques: Focus on the mindful aspect of walking. Keep your center of gravity low and feet flat when walking on icy surfaces. This technique has the main advantage of stability and reducing the possibility of falls.
- Increase Awareness of Weather Conditions: Pedestrians should keep checking the weather forecast. If they understand temperature fluctuations, they can avoid walking when ice is most likely to form, for example, in the early morning or after rain.
- Maintain a Clear Path: Ask people to clear their walkways and driveways immediately after snow. This prevents ice buildup and decreases property owners’ liability.
- Install Safety Features: In areas of high usage around homes and businesses, advise installing non-slip mats or grip tape. Secure handrails on steps or slopes and in locations exposed to potentially icy areas.
- Community Engagement: Advocate for community initiatives to promote sidewalk and road safety during winter. Engaging local governments and community organizations can lead to better maintenance of public walkways, increasing overall safety for everyone. Help community initiatives to make sidewalks and roads safer in winter. Better maintenance of public walkways by engaging local governments and community organizations, along with a safer experience for everyone, can result from engagement in the community.
However, hidden dangers lurk in winter conditions. Preventing many common accidents starts with these precautions. Know that icy roads and sidewalks are out there, and be careful, whether on foot or the road. These measures will help you improve your safety and lower your chances of accidents this winter season.
