4 Tips to Avoid a Slip and Fall in Winter

Slips and falls tend to go hand-in-hand with Midwest winters. Snow, ice, falling rain, or even leftover leaves, left out household items or holiday decor can create a dangerous situation for loved ones, neighbors, visitors or party-goers. According to the CDC, almost 40 million annual physician office visits are from those injured in a slip and fall accident. Over 29 million emergency visits are due to the same, and unintentional injury deaths account for almost 170 million victims annually. That’s over four times more than annual auto accident fatalities. Fortunately, there are some tips to avoid being injured in a slip and fall accident and potentially needing backup from a Michigan personal injury lawyer to boot.

Wear the Right Footwear

Those new fuzzy slippers you got as a gift or those new fancy heels you got for the festivities may seem perfect for festive winter outings and even grabbing the morning paper or mail. But the weather or ground conditions may prove otherwise. Your footwear may be cute or work perfectly with your ensemble, but that doesn’t mean it has the right traction to avoid a potential injury. If fashion is more important than function for the festivities, at least wear boots or high-traction shoes on slick surfaces and while driving. The wrong tread or slick soles can easily make you lose control of your vehicle and end up in a Michigan car crash. You can always change into the fancy stuff once you’re at your destination and on solid ground.

Pay Attention to Lurking Surface Dangers

Winter can be a cozy, socially rewarding season to reconnect with friends and loved ones. But that also leads to limited light, low or stretched wires from extra heating supplies, bunched up mats and throw rugs, and even random shoes or decorations posing potential dangers to your walking path. A guest’s slip or fall can be your responsibility if it happens on your property, but it can also cause you to end up in the hospital if it happens on your end. Pay attention to where you’re walking to avoid the trouble.

Keep Your Vision Clear

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), slips and falls are the leading cause of injuries and fatalities in older Americans. Winter adds to the problem as sensory overload occurs and balance is thus affected. Wearing the right gear to protect from the elements is essential, but that includes proper vision gear as well. Eye goggles, sunglasses, and prescriptive glasses go a long way to keep the blur down and the vision clear.

Don’t Be a “Ped-Textrian”

Over the past decade, texting while walking has led to over 11,000 injuries. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), almost 6,300 pedestrian deaths were the result of tech-related distraction in 2018 alone. This is especially important when icy or slick weather conditions are also factors. So put the phone away when walking to avoid being injured in a slip and fall accident due to personal negligence or walking out into traffic. But if you still need a competent Michigan personal injury lawyer, give us a call.