Common Winter Injuries and How to Avoid Them

During the winter months, the risk of injury or illness from certain types of activites increases. While summer sees more water-related accidents, with cold weather comes icy roads, low visibility, and winter sports. All of these can cause accidents that result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

Below are some of the most common winter injuries and safety tips for avoiding them.

Slip-and-Fall Injuries

You can slip, trip, and fall at any time of year, but when walkways and driveways become slick with ice, the danger increases significantly. Slips and falls are the leading cause of concussions and other traumatic brain injuries in the United States. They are especially dangerous for older adults.

Other slip-and-fall related injuries include:

  • Broken bones
  • Back injuries
  • Hip injuries
  • Arm and wrist injuries

Preventing winter slip-and-fall injuries

  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid spots that look icy.
  • Use deicer on driveways and walkways.
  • Wear shoes or boots with good traction.
  • Avoid running if the ground looks wet or slippery.
  • Take short steps.
  • If you do fall, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Snow Shoveling Injuries

Shoveling snow is not often seen as a risky activity, but it can be a very taxing chore. If you are not used to vigorous activity or are not warmed up properly, you can become injured or ill quickly.

Snow shoveling leads to more than 11,000 emergency room visits each year. Some common injuries resulting from snow shoveling include:

  • Muscle sprains and strains
  • Back and neck soreness
  • Lacerations
  • Heart attack (typically in people aged 55 and older)

Preventing snow shoveling injuries

  • Consider your fitness level before beginning. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, ask someone to shovel for you.
  • Warm up your arms, shoulders, and back before beginning.
  • Take regular breaks.
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Push snow forward rather than lifting or twisting.
  • If you begin to feel dizziness, shortness of breath, or chest pain, stop and seek medical care right away.

Car Accident Injuries

Driving in winter weather can be a particularly risky activity, especially if roads are slushy or visibility is low. It’s easy to lose control of your vehicle in adverse weather conditions, endangering you, your passengers, and others on the road.

Common car accident injuries include:

  • Head injuries
  • Neck and spine injuries
  • Internal damage
  • Broken bones
  • Whiplash
  • Lacerations and bruising

Car Accident Prevention Tips

When driving in winter weather, take the following precautions to help avoid a crash:

Car drives down a snowy country road with the sun on the horizon

  • Check your tire tread and consider installing snow tires if you live in an area with heavy snowfall.
  • Make sure your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are all in good working order.
  • If you live in an area with very cold wintertime temperatures, consider using washer fluid with deicer, so that it does not freeze.
  • Slow down and increase your following distance.
  • Always be aware of the possibility of black ice.
  • Keep a winter emergency kit in your car.

Hypothermia and Frostbite

As the temperature drops, the danger of hypothermia and frostbite rises, particularly for people who work outdoors or participate in winter sports.

Hypothermia is a state of abnormally low body temperature, caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures. When your body temperature gets too low, it can impact your thinking and movement. This is a medical emergency that should be treated immediately.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion
  • Trouble speaking

Frostbite is also caused by exposure to cold, but is more of an external injury. When frostbitten, you may notice numbness and discoloration of certain parts of your body (usually the fingers, toes, and face). If left untreated for too long, the damage can become permanent. Severe frostbite may require amputation.

Preventing Frostbite and Hypothermia

  • Wear layers when outside in winter weather. Insulate your body with a hat, gloves, socks, and waterproof boots.
  • Avoid spending too long outside when temperatures are below freezing.
  • Change out of wet clothing as soon as possible.
  • Seek medical attention right away if someone is exhibiting signs of either condition.

Winter Sport Injuries

Snowboarding and skiing are known to be athletic endeavors with high levels of risk involved, but even more mundane winter activities like sledding and ice skating come with inherent dangers.

Serious sport injuries include head injuries, neck and back injuries, and bone fractures. Less severe injuries are more common, and include muscle sprains and strains, joint dislocations, torn ligaments, cuts, and bruises.

Winter sports injury prevention

  • Always wear proper protective gear.
  • Warm up before exerting yourself.
  • Know your limits.
  • Follow all posted rules and guidelines.
  • Keep your phone with you in case of an accident—better yet, always stick with a buddy.
  • If you injure yourself beyond a minor scrape or bump, go to urgent care or an emergency room.

I’ve Been Injured—What Do I Do?

Even when you take precautions and prioritize safety, accidents can happen. If you’ve been injured in an accident this winter season, be sure to see a medical professional. Depending on the nature of your injury, that professional may be an emergency room doctor, your primary care physician, or a doctor who specializes in sports medicine.

If your accident was caused by another person’s negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A personal injury attorney with The Utah Advocates can help.

Contact us for a free consultation with one of our experienced accident lawyers. We’ll help you understand whether you have a case and what your options are. We’ll gather evidence for your claim and negotiate with the at-fault party’s insurance company to get you the settlement you deserve.

Your Advocate will be by your side through every step of the claims process. We can help you find the resources you need in your area and communicate with your employer regarding your injuries. We’re available to you 24/7 to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.

Contact our office today for a free case evaluation. You deserve an attorney who puts your recovery first. You deserve an Advocate.

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