Road Safety Advice

While both young and old present to Emergency Departments as a result of falls on ice, as we get older a fall can result in broken bones, a loss of confidence, and loss of mobility and fear of leaving the home. Our advice is to:

• Stay indoors, if possible, when the weather is bad.
• If you need to go outside in icy conditions, be extra careful and follow these tips from the Road Safety Authority:
• If a journey cannot be avoided walk on a footpath, not in the street. If there are no footpaths walk on the right-hand side of the road (towards oncoming traffic). Be extremely careful as frost, ice and snow will make walking on footpaths very dangerous.
• Remember that footpaths may not be treated so walk with extreme care, make sure you are wearing appropriate footwear (footwear with good grips and no high heels) and in extreme conditions consider an appropriate walking stick or walking pole.
• Avoid walking in the streets at all costs if possible. Remember, cars and trucks slip and slide, too! If it’s an emergency, and you can’t avoid the street, wear bright or reflective clothing.
• Visibility is reduced in snowy condition so wear high visibility clothing or carry a torch
• Wear clothing that does not restrict your vision. Stay warm, but DO NOT impair your vision with hoodies, ski masks, scarves, hats, etc. This type of clothing could prevent you from spotting icy conditions that may lead to a fall or not enable you to see a car that is spinning out of control.
• Snow and ice cause havoc quickly, so use extra caution when crossing roadways, and always cross at pedestrian crossings.
• Ice can easily hide under a light dusting of snow. Just because you don’t see the ice doesn’t mean it’s not there waiting for your unsuspecting footfalls.
• If you can’t avoid the ice and snow, bend your knees slightly and take slower, shorter steps to help reduce the chance of a slip and fall and an injury.
• If forced to use the steps at someone’s home, apartment, or other public building, walk slowly and take shorter steps when descending. The same is true of driveways and other hilly terrain; these areas can be very dangerous when they become slippery with ice or snow. Steps especially can be hard to clear and build up ice easily.
• Be aware of overhead hazards! Falling icicles and chunks of snow pose a serious risk. In extreme cold weather icicles can build up in size very quickly and are potentially lethal. Their size and dagger-like formation are extremely dangerous for pedestrians. Be aware of what’s happening above you and stay clear from the edges of buildings.

(The above 10 points are taken directly from the RSA's tips on how to avoid slips and falls on ice).

Staying Safe on the Road

The golden rule is to drive, cycle or walk with extreme care and caution and expect the unexpected. 

The following advice will help reduce the risk of injury:

• Get your vehicle serviced before winter sets in to make sure it is ready for bad weather (which often comes when you least expect it). See the Road Safety Authority (RSA) website for advice on vehicle maintenance and safety.
• The RSA strongly recommends that motorists carry a number of essentials in the boot of their car all year round. These items should include: 
• High visibility vest
• A working torch
• A hazard warning triangle
• De-icing equipment (for glass and door locks)
• First aid kit
• Blanket (to help keep you warm if your car breaks down in cold weather and you are waiting for help)
• No matter how short the car journey is, it is always a good idea to bring a warm coat and waterproof jacket with you in case of car breakdown.
• In severe weather conditions consider whether you really need to travel.
• Consider whether it’s possible to delay your trip until the weather and road conditions improve.
• If you absolutely need to travel, use public transport where available.
• If you really have to travel by car, check the weather forecast for the area you will be travelling in and make sure the route is passable before starting your journey.
• Be prepared for severe conditions and follow the advice from Road Safety Authority (RSA) on driving in severe weather.

Last Updated: 8 January 2024