Every year, with the onset of winter and the appearance of ice in trauma centers, the number of people seeking medical help with fractures, bruises, sprains, and closed head injuries is increasing. Moreover, danger threatens both pedestrians and motorists.
The basic principles of pedestrian behavior on a slippery road are attention and caution. However, it is necessary to adhere to a few simple but effective rules.
Firstly, you should choose the right shoes – this is a very important step before going onto slippery streets. The sole of the shoe should be flat, made of non-slip material, a corrugated surface reduces the risk of falls. Women are advised to abandon the “stilettos,” heels above 5 cm, and a high platform.
Secondly, you should not be distracted by extraneous matters when driving on ice, for example, talking on the phone, listening to music, etc.
Thirdly, you need to look in front of you, step with your full foot, while the legs are relaxed and slightly bent at the knees.
Fourth, the hands should be free. Do not keep your hands in your pockets – in the event of a fall, and you may simply not have time to pull them out.
Fifth, special caution is required when driving upstairs, at stops of city vehicles and at entrances to shops, entrances, and offices, since it is precisely in these areas that the frequency of falls is high due to ice.
Sixth, before going out, it is recommended that you think ahead of time on the route, and also bypass areas along the roofs of buildings, under balconies, as the probability of icicles falling increases.
Car drivers also need to be extremely careful in ice, and it is better to ride at low speed. It is also worth observing the distance since, under conditions of icy conditions, the stopping distance is almost tripled. Recommended distance – vehicle speed multiplied by two.
If the fall is inevitable, and you feel that you are losing balance, then sit down abruptly. In this case, the fall will be from a lower height, and with it, the likelihood of injury. Press the elbow joints to the sides, pull the head into the shoulders, and straighten your back, try to fall on your side, while relaxing your muscles as much as possible. Always make sure to see a chiropractor near you for car of injuries.
Also, do not put your hands in front of you when falling. If you witnessed a pedestrian falling on ice – call an ambulance or take the victim to the nearest emergency room. In an accident before the arrival of an ambulance, moving the victim is strictly not recommended. If the limb is injured – ensure its immobility, apply cold.
