Now that the winter is here, people are going to focus more on trying to stay warm than trying to stay safe. The fact of the matter is that falls can occur after a trip or slip. These incidents sometimes end in injuries that range from very serious to minor inconveniences.
Instead of trying to rush out the door right away, make sure that you are wearing appropriate footwear. It doesn’t get snowy or icy too often in northwest Georgia, but the ground might be slick with winter precipitation. This means that high heels and other shoes that don’t have much grip on the soles aren’t really appropriate. Instead, choose boots or sneakers that have enough tread on the bottom to help you as you walk.
Before you get out of your vehicle or step foot outside, slide your foot on the ground. This test can help you to gauge the condition of the surface. If you notice it is slick, you need to make sure you take your time walking.
Another point that is important to remember is that you shouldn’t drink alcohol or do drugs before walking. Wintry sidewalks and parking lots can be slippery, which will be difficult to navigate if you aren’t fully sober.
If you do end up falling on another person’s property because of the condition of the sidewalk, parking lot or walking surface, you might decide that you are going to seek compensation for the monetary damages you suffered due to the accident. This can include money you missed out on earning and medical bill payments that you had to make.
Source: Consumer Reports, “Protect yourself from dangerous slips and trips,” Marvin Lipman, M.D., accessed Dec. 29, 2017