The Secret to Walking On Ice Without Slipping Is So Simple

Walking on ice is no easy feat. Even at ice rinks, you’ll often find people struggling to find their footing. But sometimes walking across ice is necessary or unavoidable. Doing it wrong is dangerous and sometimes even deadly. If you slip on the ice you could hit your head and sustain a concussion or even die. Therefore, it’s imperative to learn how to do it right.

Walking on Ice the Right Way

Iowa State University (ISU) includes a tutorial on their Winter Weather guide. You’ll need to adjust almost everything about the way you normally walk, so be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the advice and practice it when you can do so safely.

Clothing

Start by adjusting your wardrobe slightly. While heavy coats with warm pockets might be good for your hands, your center of gravity will be adjusted, and you won’t be able to land as safely. Don’t ditch the coat; just add mittens, hand warmers, or any other option that will keep your hands warm but also out of pockets and at the ready.

Gait

Next, you need to adjust your gait. ISU recommends that you “take short steps or shuffle for stability.” You also need to shift your center of gravity so that your feet are perpendicular to the ground the whole time. To shift your center of gravity, bend slightly forward so that it’s directly over your feet. Instead of walking forward normally, shift a little side to side so that you can keep the bend and keep your feet flatter. If you feel like a penguin, you’re doing it right.

Falling Safely

Sometimes, falling is unavoidable. In these instances, it’s imperative that you understand how to fall safely so you can minimize the likelihood of serious injury or even death. Older people and those with limited mobility should practice fall safety regularly anyway, but everyone should know the basics.

Above all else, protect your head and neck. ISU recommends that you “bend your back and head forward to avoid hitting your head against the ground.” In addition to protecting your head, you should try to land carefully. “If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder,” according to ISU. And as tempting as it may be, don’t brace with your arms. You’re much more likely to injure your wrists or elbows than you are to spare yourself other injuries.

Source

Winter Weather, Iowa State University

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