Winter is coming! Are you prepared for it? And I wasn't referring to the overly-decorated Christmas tree and perfecting that gingerbread recipe...

Although those are important elements of every winter, the safety of you and your family remains of utmost importance; we want to remind you because sometimes these things can slip our minds easily -- like slipping on ice.

Did you know that the winter can pose several accident-causing dangers to you and your family?

In this article, we'll be covering the 4 common winter injuries that you should be wary of. Plus, we'll add in some safety tips to prevent these accidents and injuries from ever happening.

 

1. Slips and Falls Accidents

Winter's snow can be something the kids look forward to all year, apart from summer. The giggle-filled activities that you and your family partake together every year never seem to get any less exciting. It's all fun and laughter until someone slips and falls...

The slippery ice presents certain risks of losing your footing that could result in not the best ending. Slips and falls can happen to anyone. Yup, not just for clumsy kids whose excitement get the better of them but for us adults as well. A slip can just leave you with a mini bruise or something worse.

Slip and falls on ice can cause lacerations, severe bruising, muscles strains due to unnatural twisting, and even fractures. In worse cases, having a hit on the back of your head could result in brain trauma and unconsciousness. It is good to go for a doctor's check-up if you knocked your head hard, even if you don't experience any signs and symptoms.

In addition, deep snow can also be dangerous. Imagine having your foot buried 7-inch deep into the thick blanket of snow. A bad sprain could ensure from moving your foot in the wrong direction with enough force (either losing your balance or just being unaware) -- not what anyone wants during the holidays.

Thankfully, this can be avoided rather easily apart from just "being careful". We have listed 4 tips all the way at the bottom of this article.

You can skip ahead or find out the remaining three common winter accidents and be more aware of them.

 

2. Shoveling Snow Accidents

Hands up if you're guilty of getting the kids to shovel some snow to the side, and reward them with $5! Or have I been watching too much comedy shows lately...

Whether it is true in your case or not, someone has to be the one clearing the roads and pathways. The snow won't melt anytime soon -- it's either you or someone in the family.

Shoveling snow is NOT easy. Have you ever carried 10 gallons of water? Snow might look all light and fluffy but it weighs A LOT.

Imagine an adult with a not-so-good back or shoulder, lifting and throwing all that snow repeatedly in a very cold environment... Not to mention the extra weight of the shovel that isn't very light either!

A dislocation in the shoulder, lower back strain, ankle sprains, knee joint problems, wrist pain, and neck issues all can arise easily in one wrong shovel.

How do we prevent such nasty outcomes? Read to the end where we've compiled 4 safety tips for you.

 

3. Driving Skids and Crashes

Driving skids and crashes are the most dangerous types of accident that can occur during the winter season. Numbers don't lie and according to Safe Winter Roads Organization, these numbers are pretty scary.

• Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy or icy pavement annually.
• Every year, close to 900 are killed and about 76,000 people injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.
• Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.
• Freeway speeds are reduced by 3 to 13 percent in light snow and by 5 to 40 percent in heavy snow.
• Average speeds on arterial roads decline by 30 to 40 percent on snowy or slushy pavement.
• Winter road maintenance accounts for roughly 20 percent of state Department of Transportation maintenance budgets.

Potential dangers of driving skids and crashes are whiplashes, fractures, spinal injuries, and others which can lead to fatality.

 

4. Work in Winter Accidents

Lastly, we have accidents that occur often in work, especially so during cold winter times. For those who have to be out in the cold due to your job requirements, this will be something you'd want to pay particular attention to.

If you are in the job line that exposes you to the cold plus requires aggressive amounts of exertion and movement, you might face a few painful issues. Fractures, slip and falls, spinal and brain trauma, hypothermia, frostbite, electrocution, just to list down a few plausible work-related accidents during winter.

And no, getting injured just to claim insurance and stay home all winter isn't very wise. I'm sure you are aware of work-related accidents and injuries that can happen anytime, anywhere. But because of the snow, cold and ice, you are at greater risk to all these accidents.

For example, if you're an Uber driver, you have to drive on roads that can be slippery due to the ice and snow. Skidding can take place in the most unexpected moments, and as mentioned above, the aftermath can be tragic. How about the dip in visibility levels due to heavy snowfall or worse, snowstorms? Being handicapped in visibility definitely poses as an increased risk of accidents.

 

4 Safety Tips and Advice for Winter

1. Proper Footwear

Due to the thick layers of snow and slippery ice, it is important for you and your family to be wearing proper shoes.

These shoes should have:

• Solid traction
• Deep-cutting grooves
• Full coverage of your foot
• Thick and heat-insulating

Sure, they might cost a little more but you really don't need Timberlands. You could just head to Target or your country's megastore and get them at affordable steals and deals.

 

2. Stretch and Warm Up

Doing this is extremely crucial especially when you're going to be moving a lot. If your job demands for heavy lifting and strenuous activities, it is wise to take care of your body by warming up and stretching.

Warming up helps to increase your body's core temperature and get your blood circulation flowing. This also prepares your cold and stiff muscles, tendons, and ligaments for the activities to come. Doing so can prevent injuries such as sprains, strains, tears, and cramps.

Important note: Please do NOT stretch cold muscles. Warm up with some light cardio and dynamic movements such as swinging of your arms slowly, walking with high knees, etc. first!

 

3. Take a Break (and maybe a Kit Kat)

When you're working hard, you burn calories. When you're working hard during winter, you burn more calories. Your body has to expend energy to regulate its temperature. With a cold external environment, your body will be using about 10% more energy than usual just to stay warm.

Thus, taking breaks is necessary to avoid any excessive fatigue which can lead to carelessness and accidents.

I wasn't kidding about the Kit Kat part. Since you are utilizing more energy, it is important to replenish all that as well. A warm, healthy meal would be ideal, but a Kit Kat... that'll be nice too.

 

4. Hydrate!

Owing to the fact that you're now covered in extra clothing and wearing thick boots, you will be sweating more even if you don't realize it. Evaporation takes place very quickly because of the cold air. Also, you lose more water through water vapor when you exhale in cold environments.

Thus, it is even more crucial to ensure that you stay hydrated during the winter season.

 

Be Prepared!

Accidents happen even when we try our best to prevent them. Thus, it is important to be prepared with a complete first-aid kit at hand or home.

Do you have a full set of first-aid kit? If not, you are urged to get equipped with one immediately.