How to Walk Safely When Sidewalks Are Icy

Walk like a penguin to walk safely on icy sidewalks

By Meghan Bartels Edited by Andrea Thompson

The recent snow and ice storm turned much of the country into a winter wonderland — all from the safety of a nice, cozy couch indoors. However, if you step outside under such circumstances, you will find a dangerous obstacle course that could turn into a trip to the emergency room with just one wrong step to walk the dog or check the mailbox.

There is no good clearinghouse for data about winter weather-related injuries, but studies show that snow and snowfall increases the rate of falls, especially in older adults. That said, anyone can slip and fall when there is ice on sidewalks. Alas, you can’t always keep calm until you melt, so what to do? Walk like a penguin, says Gabriela Murza, health and wellness extension associate professor at Utah State University.

“You’re not actually literally waddling,” 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 whole time, and you take smaller steps,” Murza says. “You’re less likely to slip and fall.” She explains that flat feet have more surface area in contact with the ground than our typical heel-to-toe gait every time you take a step, and smaller steps keep your weight more centered.

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In addition to short, flat-footed steps, Murza recommends keeping your knees slightly bent to reduce pressure on your lower back and increase stability.

There’s no time to multitask while walking on snowy days, so put your phone away and keep your hands free. Murza also recommends folding your arms and keeping your hands out of your pockets. If you do eventually slip, that position will prepare your forearms to catch you, protecting your more vulnerable wrists and face.

Night and early morning hours, when temperatures are at their lowest and the sun is not helping melt the snow, are the most dangerous. Murza advises keeping your eyes peeled for ice hidden under snow or melt water and for “black ice” that is normally transparent.

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