If you live on a Caribbean island or in another country that is hot all-year-round, we kinda hate you (because we’re totally jealous), but there’s also a high chance that the only interaction you have with ice is the satisfying tinkle it makes when it falls into your pina colada. It’s a hard life, right? Well, there are some people (like us) who have to deal with the cold weather and all of the effects that comes with it, including snow and ice – and it is NOT fun. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that there were 42,000 ice-related injuries in 2014 alone. So, if you’re looking for the perfect tips on how to safely walk across the ice, look no further…
Take shorter steps
While it may seem pretty weird to walk in a bunny-hop, taking shorter steps is actually one of the best ways to avoid slipping on the ice. When you reduce your forward-and-backward force, you reduce the amount of force being applied to the ice. Because of this, you are able to gain more traction on the ice, and you’ll also put less pressure on the ice – which is always a bonus.
Move slowly and carefully
Okay, there’s a high chance you already know this, as you probably don’t wake up with the intention of ice skating your way to work when it’s been snowing, but you’ve gotta hear us out, alright? If you move slowly and more carefully, you’ll also reduce the ol’ backward-and-forward force of your body on the ice, which means you’re more focused on being vertical (and not sliding across the ice).
Avoid ice that is melting
Melted ice = water. Water = slippery. Yep, it’s basically science. We all know that water can be slippery. Otherwise, cleaners wouldn’t have to put out those signs they use when they mop the floors. If you are going to walk on ice, it’s best to walk on freezing cold ice that is rock-solid and not melting in any way. If it is melting… avoid it completely.
Avoid using slopes and stairs
Unfortunately, gravity doesn’t stop working when it’s icy. In fact, it makes things a lot more difficult! Because of this, changing your direction of force to one that is going down a hill or going up or down stairs will always end in disaster. We’ve all seen the funny videos on Facebook of people sliding down icy slopes. Don’t be one of those people.
Keep your eyes peeled
One of the most irritating things about ice is that it is constantly changing – and changing surfaces can be a feeding ground for people falling over. Keeping your eyes peeled for changing surfaces is one of the best ways to avoid slipping. Look for puddles, inclines, steps and more.
Wear the correct footwear
We assume we don’t need to tell you NOT to wear flip-flops in the snow and ice, but there are a few rules when it comes to the correct footwear on the ice. One of the best things to note about ice-appropriate footwear is that there must be some kind of traction. Look out for shoes with spikes, hard rubber soles, and sturdy material.
If all else fails… waddle!
Have you ever wondered how Penguins make it in such icy conditions? Well, they waddle! Yep, those little dudes shuffle all of their weight along the surface and rarely ever slip over – which is why you need to take a leaf out of their book. Shuffling along the ice will reduce the chances of slipping, so you’ve got to give it a go.
Walking on ice doesn’t have to be hard, trust us! Follow these science-approved tips, and you’ll be laughing at the other people falling over…
