The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the nation into a winter wonderland—from the safety of a nice, cozy sofa indoors. If you step outside in such conditions, however, you’ll find a dangerous obstacle course that can turn walking the dog or checking the mailbox into an emergency room visit with just one false step.
There’s no good clearinghouse for data about injuries related to winter weather, but studies do suggest that fall rates increase with snow and ice, especially among older adults. That said, anyone can slip and tumble when sidewalks get icy. Alas, you can’t always hunker down until the thaw, so what’s to be done? Walk like a penguin, says Gabriela Murza, a health and wellness extension associate professor at Utah State University.
“You’re not really waddling literally,” she notes, but there’s enough similarity between the movements to channel everyone’s favorite Antarctic birds. “When you walk like a penguin, you keep your feet flat the entire time, and you take shorter steps,” Murza says. “You’re less likely to slip and fall.” Flat feet have more surface area in contact with the ground each time you take a step than our typical heel-to-toe gate, and smaller steps keep your weight more centered, she explains.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
In addition to the small, flat-footed steps, Murza recommends keeping your knees slightly bent to reduce pressure on your lower back and increase stability.
Icy days aren’t the time to multitask while walking, either, so tuck your phone away and keep your hands free. Murza also recommends bending your arms and keeping your hands out of your pockets. If you do end up slipping, that position will leave your forearms ready to catch you, protecting your more vulnerable wrists and face.
Overnight and early morning, when temperatures are at their lowest and the sun isn’t helping to melt ice, are the most dangerous. Keep your eyes peeled for ice hiding under snow or meltwater and for transparent “black ice” in general, Murza recommends.