Slips and falls on icy surfaces are no laughing matter.
They are a major cause of winter injuries, with over 1 million Americans getting hurt annually due to tumbles on snow and ice. The resulting damage ranges from bruises and strains to broken bones and concussions.
Elderly folks and young children are at the highest risk for serious injury from icy falls.
Why Is Ice So Slippery?
When you step on ice, the pressure and friction from your foot actually melts the top layer of ice into water. This liquid layer acts as a lubricant between the sole of your shoe and the ice, causing your foot to slide out from under you.
The more you struggle to maintain balance, the more melting occurs, exacerbating the slipperiness. It’s a vicious cycle!
The Simple Secret: Walk Like a Penguin
So how do we outsmart the ice and avoid ending up on our backside? The secret lies in channeling your inner penguin.
Penguins are the undisputed experts at walking on ice without wiping out, thanks to their unique gait.
They keep their center of gravity over their front foot before shifting their weight to the other. This keeps their body balanced above their feet at all times.
How to Do the Penguin Waddle
To imitate a penguin’s waddle and stay stable on slick ice:
- Point your feet slightly outward for better balance
- Take short, flat-footed steps, placing one foot at a time
- Keep your arms out to your sides for stability (no hands in pockets!)
- Lean forward slightly as you walk
- Take slow, deliberate, controlled steps
Perfecting your penguin waddle takes a bit of practice, but you’ll be strutting confidently across icy patches in no time. However, there are a few additional measures you can take to further reduce your risk of icy tumbles.
Additional Tips for Walking Safely on Ice
Aside from walking like an Antarctic bird, wearing proper footwear is crucial for maintaining traction on ice. Choose shoes or boots with textured rubber soles or even invest in traction cleats that attach to the bottom of your shoes. Avoid smooth leather or plastic soles which are extremely slippery on ice.
Before heading out, plan your route carefully and keep an eye out for patches of ice, especially the hard-to-see black ice. Use handrails whenever available and stick to snowy areas instead of ice when possible.
Keep walkways around your home clear by applying deicer and using a shovel or ice scraper regularly.
What if You Do Slip on Ice?
Sometimes, despite our best penguin impressions, falls still happen on the ice.
If you feel yourself starting to slip, resist the urge to fall backward or put your arms out straight to break the fall, as this can cause more severe injuries. Instead, tuck your head and body forward into a ball shape to minimize the impact.
Aim to land on your side or buttocks rather than your back or head. Relax your muscles upon impact and don’t try to break the fall with your arms.
If you do take a tumble, seek medical attention for any pain or potential injuries, especially to the head, neck or bones.
Be Always Prepared
The key takeaway here is that a simple adjustment to your walking style, by imitating a penguin’s short shuffling steps, can dramatically reduce your chances of dangerous slips and falls on icy surfaces.
Pair that secret technique with proper footwear, alertness for icy spots, and knowledge of how to fall more safely if needed.
Stay warm and sure-footed out there this winter season!
Source:
1. ABC News
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
