What Kind of Accidents Should You Be Wary of During Winter Time?

As soon as the temperature dial drops and the snow starts to fall, the accident rate tends to increase, mainly as a result of ice and snow making conditions slippery.

The workload of a Utah personal injury attorney tends to increase when winter weather starts to claim some more victims. The reason they get involved is when a company or third party is negligent and you end up suffering a personal injury.

Some accident scenarios are hard to predict beforehand, but when you know what some of the typical incidents look like you do have an opportunity to be more cautious and vigilant.

Here’s a look at some of the typical accidents to be wary of during the winter months.

Slips and falls are a common risk factor

When surfaces become icy, it’s only natural that there’s an increased risk of a slip or fall.

Broken bones and sprains are commonplace when you suffer an unexpected fall, and there’s even the prospect of suffering a traumatic head injury if you suffer a more serious accident.

Always try to follow a route that has been cleared of snow and ice, and wear footwear that has a good level of grip. These sensible precautions should help to reduce the risk you face when tackling snowy and icy conditions.

Make sure you can be seen

Another dangerous scenario that can potentially be avoided is when you are difficult to see in challenging or dark conditions.

As a pedestrian, you are always going to be vulnerable to a certain extent, especially in areas where the environment is shared by traffic. It is always a good idea to wear bright and reflective clothing when walking in dark conditions or when the weather is tricky and visibility is reduced.

Naturally enough, being hit as a pedestrian is rarely a good outcome. There are numerous types of serious injuries you can suffer in a collision with a vehicle. You can reduce the prospect of that happening by wearing appropriate clothing and staying alert at all times.

Shoveling snow can be a risky activity

You may have good reason to be motivated to get the shovel out and clear your pathway, but this is an activity that is fraught with danger, if you are not careful.

There are two risk factors associated with shoveling snow that may not be that apparent. First of all, you could damage your back or neck with the sheer level of exertion required. You could also put your heart under increased pressure if you suddenly raise your blood pressure through an increase in physical activity.

Aim to wear the right clothing for the job, and warm up your muscles beforehand, as this will reduce the risk of injury.

As well as being more aware of your surroundings and the inherent risks attached to cold and icy conditions, you are also protecting yourself from a personal injury claim that could arise from someone hurting themselves on your property.

Always take extra care in wintry conditions by following these safety tips. If you are injured despite these precautions, you may be able to make a claim through a personal injury attorney.