Walk Like a Penguin!
It’s important for your health to keep moving, even in a New England winter. But how to stay safe on snowy, icy days?
Practice defensive walking
Just as it’s important to practice defensive driving in the winter, it’s important to practice defensive walking to avoid falls on snow and ice.
- Allow for extra time to reach your destination so you don’t feel rushed.
- Wear winter boots that fit well and have a thick, non-slip tread, and wide, low heels.
- Be extra careful getting into and out of a car. Hold onto the door frame (not the door itself) to steady yourself.
- Assume that all wet, dark areas on pavement are slippery.
- Avoid carrying things that can cause you to be unbalanced.
Walk like a penguin
If you encounter an icy or slippery surface, be sure to:
- Point your feet out slightly like a penguin.
- Bend slightly and walk flat-footed (take short steps or shuffle) with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
- Extend your arms out to your sides to keep your balance
Based on information from the Canada Safety Council.