When the weather turns cold, you’d think that more people would want to spend time indoors, but the onset of winter conditions can come with its attractions. For many people who live in warm areas, traveling to cold-weather states gives them a chance to experience the magic of snow and ice. Locals who have grown accustomed to this phenomenon may still be inclined to seek out seasonal entertainment outdoors, hitting the ski slopes or going out for an adventure on frozen lakes.
These various reasons all ensure that even in the cold months, a lot of folks are out and about and enjoying themselves in pursuit of various activities. But the weather doesn’t just provide a fun diversion; winter is associated with an increase in certain types of injuries resulting from accidents. These tips will help you stay safe under the season’s conditions.
Avoid strenuous activity
Sports professionals know that injuries are more likely to occur when you’re tired. Athletes get substituted, and players returning from an injury are often given a restricted schedule and carefully monitored for signs of exhaustion. Our bodies compensate when fatigued, and if a person doesn’t pay attention to their bodily signals, they risk getting injured.
All of this can happen any day, but in winter, the risk is elevated. Cold dulls our senses, and going out under layers of clothing can add a surprising amount of weight. The need for physical activity is heightened even if you’re just doing housework since roofs need to be cleared of icicles and snow shoveled out of driveways; this is why snow plowing services are so popular among Salt Lake City residents. Pay closer attention to your energy levels and don’t over-exert yourself; try to break down tasks over a period of days, take frequent breathers, and consider bringing in some assistance.
Move carefully
Even when you’re just walking out in the neighborhood “winter wonderland” after last night’s snowfall, it’s advisable to adjust your mobility accordingly. Slips and falls are a common cause of injury during winter; ice formation can be hard to distinguish from the regular pavement. In areas where salt application is commonly practiced, freezing is prevented, but the streets are soaked with water instead. Everyone who goes out in winter should have not only warm clothing but also proper footwear for improved traction. The average pace and length of one’s gait can be slowed down by a half-step to ensure stable footing at all times.
Drive safely and watch the road
Unfortunately, for the same reasons which make mere walking outside a more dangerous activity in winter, driving also risks a higher chance of being involved in a vehicle collision. Consequently, drivers must pay close attention to the road conditions at all times, keep their vehicles properly maintained, and travel at a reduced speed. This extends to pedestrians as well; even if you aren’t behind the wheel, it becomes even more critical to watch the road and practice safety measures. Limited visibility conditions such as heavy snowfall or the approach of darkness make it best to avoid going out if possible.
Taking these precautions will help you stay safe while going about most daily activities in the winter. See to it that you also research and apply specific measures when engaging in cold-weather sports and other specialized pursuits.
