Winter storms are a common occurrence in the Midwest and should be taken seriously. While many people enjoy the snow and the winter activities associated with it, winter weather can be hazardous. It can cause serious injury accidents, including collisions on icy roads and slip-and-fall accidents. To protect yourself during the winter, consider the following safety tips:
- Tip #1: Use salt to melt ice on your walkways, stairs, and driveway to prevent slip-and-fall accidents. If you are out in public, be sure to watch out for ice in heavy-traffic areas (also known as black ice). Always wear the appropriate footwear. Your footwear should have excellent tread to provide the traction you need to stay upright. Take shorter steps.
- Tip #2: Be extra cautious when driving. It is a good idea to limit your driving, especially if it is freezing rain, snowing, or sleeting. If you must travel, do so during the day, when the temperatures are warmer, and visibility is better. Always let your family know where you are heading and what route you intend to take.
- Tip #3: Drive at a speed that is safe for weather conditions. Avoid slamming on your brakes when driving on snow-covered roads. Brake slowly and as early as possible to avoid skidding. It is a good idea to drive slowly and make sure to signal any turns or lane changes well in advance to let others know what actions you are going to take. Be sure to keep at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle at all times.
- Tip #4: Watch for signs of frostbite or hypothermia when spending time outdoors in winter. Exposure to extreme cold can be deadly. Hypothermia is identified by looking for signs of being disoriented or incoherent, shivering uncontrollably, tired, or exhausted. Get medical attention immediately if you see signs of hypothermia. Frostbite begins with the loss of feeling in the extremities, including the tip of the nose, ears, fingers, and toes. You may also notice a pale white appearance in the affected areas. Make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect frostbite.
Contact Us
This winter season, the team at Bye, Goff & Rohde hopes that all of you stay safe. We understand that accidents happen, no matter how well-prepared you may be. Unfortunately, accidents also occur when others do not adequately prepare for winter weather, or if they act irresponsibly.
If you are hurt in a slip-and-fall accident, or if you are injured in an accident on the road, you do not have to suffer alone. For more than 40 years, the attorneys Bye, Goff & Rohde have worked to help injured people rebuild their lives after a serious accident. Contact us at (715) 202-5699 to discuss your legal options with a member of our legal team. We are here to help you.