How can I stay safe on the sidewalks during the winter?
During the winter, one can stay safe on the sidewalks by keeping the center of gravity over the front leg. When people walk, their ability to support their weight is split in the middle of their stride. However, walking in this way on ice compels each leg to support the weight of the body that is not perpendicular to the ice, and can therefore cause one to fall.
Maintaining one’s center of gravity over one’s front leg will help keep one upright. It also helps to spread one’s feet out a little in order to increase one’s center of gravity, and to take small steps. One can also increase one’s center of gravity by keeping one’s hands out of one’s pockets. Upon starting to slip, one can break a fall with one’s hands.
It is advisable to give oneself more than enough time to reach one’s destination when walking on ice or snow. Use shoes or boots that have good traction, and walk slowly. Remain on designated walkways, and use the handrails when ascending or descending stairs.