How to stay upright in winter
You can prevent slipping by making small changes.
One in three Finns will slip and fall at least once during the winter. Slipping and falling in icy conditions can happen to people of all ages, not only the elderly.
You can significantly reduce your risk of slipping by focusing on walking, anticipating risks and equipping yourself correctly.
Seven tips to avoid slipping and falling
1. Wear shoes that are suitable for the road conditions
Check the road conditions and choose your shoes accordingly. Pay special attention to the heel and sole of the shoes.
- A wide and low heel provides best support. The heel should be textured and have a slanted rear edge.
- A flexible, soft and porous sole offers good grip in sub-zero temperatures and does not become hard. If necessary, have a plastic heel replaced with a rubber one.
- A pronounced criss-cross sole pattern improves grip. The grooves should be 5–8 mm deep and open on the sides.
Select your shoes according to the most slippery section of your route, even if you are just popping out to the letter box or car park.
2. Use anti-slip guards
Anti-slip guards come in handy in the most slippery of conditions.
Wear shoes that you intend to wear with the anti-slip guards when shopping for the guards. The best models cover the entire sole of the shoe. Make sure that the guards can be easily removed or disabled when coming indoors, as they can also increase the risk of slipping if worn on hard and smooth surfaces.
Studded shoes are also an excellent choice. Walking poles and sticks or a kicksled can also help you stay upright.
3. Make time for leaving and commuting
When leaving in a hurry, it is easy to forget to check the weather reports for pedestrians and to instead just select the shoes that are the easiest to put on. With the clock ticking, you walk faster and faster, increasing the risk of slipping.
One in six slips is caused by hurrying. So reserve some extra time for leaving and commuting in winter.
4. Check weather reports before leaving
The Finnish Meteorological Institute provides warnings in their pedestrian weather reports. Check the weather and road conditions before going out, and prepare accordingly.
The same weather can have a different impact on driving and walking. Road conditions are especially dangerous for pedestrians when it has rained or snowed on the ice.
5. Give feedback on the maintenance of streets and yards
If there is room for improvement in the ploughing, gritting or lighting of the yard of your home or workplace, let the maintenance company know.
Responsibility for road maintenance and street lighting varies by municipality. If you notice any defects, check the website of your municipality to see which operator you should contact regarding street maintenance and lighting.
Checklist for good winter maintenance
6. Stay in shape and keep alert
Staying upright in slippery winter conditions requires constant brain-muscle cooperation and quick reactions. Good general health and muscle strength increase your likelihood of staying on your feet. Your attentiveness will decrease if your are tired.
Exercise is proven to be the single most effective method for preventing slipping among the elderly.
7. Focus on walking
When you focus on walking, you have time to observe your surroundings and watch out for slippery, ungritted and uneven patches. If you need to check your phone, stop for a while.
