Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Wintertime Slip and Falls

Wintertime Slip and Falls

With winter comes inevitable snowfall and freezing temperatures. According to the National Safety Council's study of injury facts, it was found that 1 in 163 people died from falls. Freezing temperatures also mean layers of ice develop on the roads and can be hard to avoid when traveling from place to place which could lead to a slip and fall accident.

There are several measures one can take to prevent slip and falls. Wearing appropriate shoes is very critical. Look for anti-slip/slip resistant shoes that can help control traction while walking. After walking through a snowy or icy/wet area, make sure you remove as much snow and water from your shoes as you can. Carry a small towel or anything else you can use to dry the bottoms of your shoes before entering a building. Wear bulkier clothing that way if you do slip and fall you have a layer that can break your fall. Take advantage of handrails as they will also help support you while walking on slippery floors. Speaking of support, it’s also best to keep your hands out of your pockets because your arms help with balance and if you do fall, you’ll be more prepared.

When walking outdoors, it’s important to stay alert and examine areas you’re planning to walk on. Before standing or walking, check the area out with your toe to make sure it’s sturdy and not too slippery and if it is, prepare accordingly. Take smaller, more deliberate steps and although it sounds odd, walking like a penguin can also help! Pointing your feet out slightly increases your center of gravity and helps keep you in control. Before crossing the road, make sure cars are at a complete stop and take extra care when entering and exiting vehicles.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, Flint, Ann Arbor, Livonia, Dearborn, Canton, Westland, Troy, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Waterford or any other city in Michigan, make sure to contact Motor City Accident Attorneys. The aggressive and experienced network attorneys at Motor City Accident Attorneys know how stressful a car accident can be and want to help you get back on your feet. They will fight tirelessly for your rights to ensure you get the compensation you deserve, according to your specific case. Make sure to follow Motor City Accident Attorneys on Twitter (@MCAccidentAtty) and join the conversation #MCAA!