In our Ask The Legal Expert column, Ian Rees, Director and Head of Personal Injury at JCP Solicitors, which has an office in Caerphilly, shares advice on how to avoid injury during winter.
People who are heading outdoors this winter, whether they are commuting to work on foot or staying active, need to be particularly careful to avoid any serious falls, slips, or trips in the icy conditions.
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) around 80,000 people head to hospital after suffering falls, slips, cuts, and other injuries during this period, with around 6,000 needing to be admitted.
If you’re planning to commute on foot, factor in additional time for darker and potentially icy conditions. Doing this will help to prevent rushing and reduce the risk of a preventable fall.
Frost and ice are commonplace and are particularly hazardous for those heading outdoors. We’d always encourage you to be aware of any dramatic falls in temperature which could prove dangerous and to consider if your journey is absolutely essential.
Try to wear supportive and appropriate footwear, high heels and shoes without adequate support are more likely to result in falls during darker and colder conditions.
And reflective or bright clothing will also ensure you are clearly visible to traffic and other pedestrians, this will help to minimise the chances of accidental injury.
We’d also advise parents to ensure their children wear brighter clothing if they are walking home from school, to ensure they are seen by drivers during busy times or if visibility is poor.
For information, contact: ian.rees@jcpsolicitors.co.uk or 02920 860628.
The question posed is based upon a hypothetical situation. This content does not constitute legal advice and is provided for general information purposes only.
