Slippery Minn. Sidewalks, Roadways Cause Spike in Injuries

Updated: 01/29/2013 5:59 PM KSTP.com By: Leslie Dyste

Freezing drizzle overnight Monday caused slippery conditions on roadways and sidewalks across the metro.

Regions Hospital says it's seeing a spike in injuries due to the icy conditions. Since midnight, the hospital has treated 19 cases of injuries due to slipping and falling outside.

Falls on ice can typically cause injuries to wrists, arms and shoulders.

HealthParters is offering the following tips to keep you safe on slippery sidewalks:

• Wear smart shoes. Choose those with non-slip, grooved rubber or neoprene soles. Check out the devices you can clip onto your boots or shoes for better traction. Don't wear shoes or boots with smooth leather or plastic soles.

• Walk small. Imitate the way a penguin takes short, shuffling, flat-footed steps with the feet pointed slightly outward.

• Walk cautiously. Your arms help you keep your balance, Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets and  avoid carrying heavy or bulky packages.

• Watch where you walk. Assume any dark, wet spots are slippery. Sometimes what appears to simply be wet might be an invisible layer of "black" ice.

• Always use handrails where they are available.

• Wear sunglasses on sunny days. The bright glare can make it hard to see slippery surfaces.

• Wearing heavy layers can help cushion a fall should you go down, but be careful not to wear too much bulk so that it hinders your movement or blocks your vision or hearing.

• Don't forget to remove snow and ice from the bottom of your shoes once you get inside. Wet feet can make a bare floor as slippery as the ice is outside.

• Help your older friends and relatives on snow and ice. Slips and falls can be extremely dangerous for seniors. If you are older, don't shy away from asking others for a helping hand.

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