Anthony LaFaziaCEO, Atlantic Training · CEO at Atlantic Training | EdTech & Safety Compliance Leader

Winter Safety: How to Navigate the Dangers of Icy and Snowy Walkways

4 Mar 2026 · 3 min

Watch on YouTube

3:20

In this video, the speaker outlines the hazards associated with walking on icy and snowy surfaces and provides data‑driven and practical guidance to reduce injury risk. Approximately one million Americans fall on ice or snow each year, with many sustaining minor injuries but a notable portion suffering serious outcomes such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), chronic pain, disability, or death. Concussions are the most common TBI from ice falls, and the speaker stresses immediate medical attention for head impacts due to possible long‑term cognitive and physical impairments. The talk highlights that men—who often work outdoors, take riskier actions, and delay care—and older adults—who face balance, strength, and health challenges—are especially vulnerable. External factors like visibility and surface maintenance also affect fall risk. The speaker then teaches a “prepared‑to‑fall” technique: keep hands out of pockets, walk slightly forward, aim to land on fleshy body parts (thighs or buttocks), stay relaxed, avoid bracing with outstretched arms, and bend the head and back forward, favoring a forward fall over a backward one. Finally, the video offers preventive measures: limit outings to necessities, approach wet‑looking areas cautiously (they may conceal ice), allow extra travel time, and stay aware of hidden ice beneath light snow. These steps together aim to keep individuals safe during winter conditions.

Chapters

Icy conditions hit many parts of the country in the winter months, and there are many reasons to be careful when walking on ice-covered surfaces. The first of these is the risk of falls. It's estimated that approximately 1 million Americans are injured each year from falling on ice and snow. While many of these cause minor injuries, some can result in more serious things like a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, or even death. Concussions are the most common type of TBI associated with falls on ice, with symptoms of headache, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. If you hit your head during a fall on the ice, you should seek medical attention immediately, as the long-term effects of a TBI could include cognitive and physical impairments like memory loss, chronic migraines, and sensory sensitivities. In addition to the possibility of a head injury, other long-term effects of a fall on ice include chronic pain, a disabling injury, and fear of another fall, which can be mentally debilitating. While everyone is susceptible to ice-related falls, there are certain subgroups of people who are more vulnerable to a severe fall on the ice. First, men are more likely to work in outdoor jobs, engage in riskier behaviors, and delay seeking medical care, making them more likely than women to suffer serious injury from falling on ice or snow. In addition, older adults are at a higher risk of falling on ice due to balance issues, decreased muscle strength, and other medical conditions. Fall risk is also influenced by other external factors like weather conditions, including visibility, and how well walking surfaces are maintained. So, what happens if you do find yourself in the midst of a fall in icy conditions? First, always be prepared to fall. Never walk with your hands in your pockets and walk bent slightly forward. If you do begin to fall, try to fall on the fleshiest parts of your body, like the side of your thighs or buttocks. Don't tense up your muscles as you fall. You're less likely to get hurt if your body is loose and relaxed. Try to avoid using your outstretched arms to brace yourself and bend your back and head forward to avoid hitting your head on the ground. It's better to fall forward than it is to fall backward. It's important to be winter safety aware when it comes to dealing with snow and ice. First, only go out if it's necessary. Taking that icy walk to get your midday coffee could turn out to be dangerous. If you do need to go out, always approach any area that looks wet with caution, as these could be patches of ice. Even a light dusting of snow could be hiding an icy patch beneath it. Allow yourself plenty of time to get where you're going. There may not be a clear path, and you don't want to rush in snowy and icy conditions. Luckily, other steps can be taken to help prevent injury related to icy falls.