Caution Snow

The risk of injury increases during the winter months; two of the biggest concerns being slips and falls and car accidents.

  • In Canada nearly 9,000 people were hospitalized due to falls on ice. 1
  • Along with this, Canadians typically see a rise in car accidents during the winter months.
  • In 2019, 132 072 car accidents were reported in Alberta; 15 364 nonfatal injuries were reported.2
  • Friday had the highest number of accidents of any day of the week. 2
  • The evening rush hour was the most common time period for accidents to happen. 2
  • Of the nonfatal accidents, following too closely was determined to be the cause. 2
Fall in snow
OUCH

Slips, Falls and Other Injuries

Seniors accounted for more than half of all injury-related hospitalizations among Canadians. Some practical ways for seniors to prevent falls:

  • Wear safe footwear indoors and outdoors to reduce slips.
  • Make sure your winter boots have a good tread.
  • Make sure walkways are shoveled and salted.
  • Take smaller steps outside – do the penguin shuffle!
  • Install easily graspable handrails on both sides of your stairs and outdoor steps at home — and use them.
Car Accident
An unwelcome meeting

Car Accidents

A car accident is likely to result in injury and pain. On top of that injury is the stress of dealing with fixing your car, the paperwork for the insurance company, finding time for appointments to help with your injuries, frustration from having difficulty doing the things you want (and need) to do.

Here are a few tips to minimize a potential accident on the road.

  • Install some good winter tires.  Winter tires are more flexible than all seasons, to give you the snow and ice grip you need on a winter road.
  • Leave lots of space between you and the car ahead.
  • Clean all your windows so your vision is not obstructed.
  • Clean your roof so a pile of snow doesn’t fly into the windshield of the car behind you.
  • Ensure you have good wiper blades that can clear the windows well.
  • Top up washer fluid so that your window remains clear.
  • Turn your lights on so you are more visible to other drivers. Remember, not all daytime running lights turn on your taillights. 
  • Give plenty of warning to other drivers when turning, changing lanes or stopping. This will give them the required time to slow down in slippery conditions.
  • Keep your hands on the wheel at all times. Make sure you pull over if you need to make a call, text or deal with your kids in the backseat.
  • Be cautious of black ice. Even the most experienced driver can be caught off guard by black ice. It is an almost invisible danger. Be especially vigilant after a light rain or in the early morning.
  • Stick to well-travelled roads. More popular roadways have a higher chance of being maintained through clearing or sanding, which means that there won’t be as much ice and snow.

Contact PhysioWorks to get you Back in Action

If you’ve experienced an injury due to a fall on ice or a car accident, our team at PhysioWorks is here for you. We are dedicated to getting you Back in Action. With 2 convenient Airdrie locations and convenient hours, our team can help you in your recovery journey. Our aim is ensuring you get the care you need. A doctors referral is NOT required to access Physiotherapy care. Our team can even help you get your accident claim started.

Book online at https://physioworksphysiotherapy.janeapp.com/ or by phone 403-945-0227 or 587-360-0227.

References

  1. Canadian Institute for Health Information. Slips, trips and falls: Our newest data reveals causes of injury hospitalizations and ER visits in Canada [story]. Accessed October 21, 2022.
  2. Open Alberta. https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/323beb87-f08b-4fc3-8dc7-ebde46a8805c/resource/cb5e7646-86ba-4af6-b3bb-83f2cb222bc3/download/trans-alberta-traffic-collision-facts-2019.pdf Accessed October 22, 2022

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