I've lived in Minnesota for 40 years now, and although I'm more of a summer guy than a winter fanatic, I don't mind the snow or even the cold fronts. Those blasts of arctic air mean fewer bugs and lower humidity. They keep the riff-raff out, right? If so, how did I get in?

I don't mind snowstorms and bracing cold, but it's harder for me to rationalize glaze ice. On rinks and lakes, I like my ice thick and plentiful. But on my driveway or sidewalk or commute? No thank you. Nothing good can come from glaze ice or "black ice".

That's me up above, recovering from a nasty fall on an icy driveway a few winters ago. I was walking our spaniel, "Leo", and as we were going down our steep driveway I wasn't paying attention. I fell on my right ankle with the full weight of my body, and I could hear the "crack" as my ankle broke. So I enjoyed a few months of crutches, casts, and boots until I healed up, but it was all a painful reminder of the nagging dangers of winter ice.

Credit: Paul Douglas
Credit: Paul Douglas
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According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), nearly 1 million Americans are injured annually falling on ice and snow. These injuries are fatal for about 17,000 people every year. Chances are you know friends or family members who have injured themselves falling on snow or ice in recent years.

Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI). If you hit your head violently while falling you may be facing more than a garden-variety concussion. Broken bones, fractures, shattered hips, knees, wrists, and herniated discs of the spine can mean instant incapacitation, weeks or months of PT, long-term disability, and countless hours of fun on the phone with your insurance company. Lovely.

Credit: Iowa State University Environmental Health and Safety
Credit: Iowa State University Environmental Health and Safety
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Winter storms are as inevitable as taxes and summer skeeters. We can't change the weather, but we can take steps to become more weather-proof and ice-resilient. It's all about the footwear - boots with a thick tread that can better grip snow and ice, although with ice there is only so much you can do.

Credit: Yaktrax.com
Credit: Yaktrax.com
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After breaking my ankle I bought a pair of Yaktrax, which uses traction cleats, the rough equivalent of putting "chains" on your boots. You just step into them and adjust the elastic to make sure they're on snug. They aren't a perfect defense, but they offer another layer of traction, protection, and stability.

Iowa State University has a long list of good suggestions to lower your risk on ice, including walking like a penguin (shuffling) and not being on your phone as you're getting around. There may be times you avoid a driveway or sidewalk altogether and walk in thick snow off to the side for added traction (and less ice). More suggestions:

  • Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
  • Bend slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
  • Keep your hands out of your pockets.
  • Be prepared to fall. If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip and shoulder.  Avoid using outstretched arms to brace yourself.
  • Bend your back and head forward to avoid hitting your head against the ground.

There is no perfect solution, but staying alert, upgrading your footwear, and practicing how to fall (gracefully) without hitting your head may be worth the time and effort. No, a Northland Winter is not for the faint of heart. Spring is coming, but no time soon, just in case anyone asks. Be safe out there.

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