Winter Weather Advisory
Cold and inclement weather often means icy and slippery roads, sidewalks and other outdoor surfaces. These hazardous conditions increase the likelihood of falls and injuries, especially for individuals with vision impairment. Many of these mishaps could be prevented by being alert to safety hazards and taking sensible precautions.
- Select shoes and boots with adequate traction to prevent slipping
on dangerous surfaces. Avoid smooth leather soles, which can be
slippery.
- Place ice cleats on shoes to increase traction and prevent falls. These can be purchased in sporting goods stores.
- If you use a long white cane, maintain constant contact with
the ground to receive warning of cracks, holes and other obstacles that
often become obscured.
- If you have a dog, protective gear for paws is available to enhance travel safety for the animals and their human companions.
- Leaves remaining on the ground combined with snow pose another
potential safety hazard. Be careful in approaching leaves or snow
banks, since they can hide puddles and distort the depth of the curb.
- Know that snow can sometimes help outdoor navigation, since it narrows pathways, making it easier to identify walking space.
- Before crossing an intersection, wait a few extra seconds to
be sure traffic has stopped. Snow, wind and rain muffle many of the
sounds that warn of oncoming cars and other environmental changes.
Winter weather gear, such as gloves and hats, also affect our senses of
touch and hearing.
- Be sure to wear sunglasses when needed; snow settled on the ground increases glare.
- Accept offers of assistance by fellow pedestrians.