Experts Offer Tips to Avoid Icy Weather Accidents

Slowing down, walking like penguins, and avoiding thin ice are key to staying safe in winter weather.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:07pm

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As parts of the United States experience heavy snow and extreme cold, authorities, first responders, and medical professionals are urging people to use common sense and change their behavior to reduce the risk of slips, falls, and ice-related injuries. Experts advise slowing down while driving, imitating the slow, shuffling walk of penguins, and never assuming lake ice is thick enough to support weight.

Why it matters

Icy weather conditions can lead to a surge in emergency room visits for injuries like closed-head trauma, wrist fractures, and broken hips. Following safety tips can help people avoid these potentially serious injuries and reduce the burden on healthcare systems during winter storms.

The details

Doctors say the most common winter weather injuries are closed-head injuries, especially for older adults, as well as painful but often non-surgical wrist and hand injuries from trying to break a fall. Broken hips require surgery. Experts recommend the "penguin protocol" of a slow, shuffling gait while leaning forward to keep the center of gravity low. They also advise against trying to catch oneself with outstretched hands, which can lead to joint injuries. Proper footwear with traction, limiting carried items, and being aware of one's surroundings are also key. On icy roads, authorities stress the importance of leaving extra time, maintaining safe following distances, and giving snowplows plenty of room.

  • In the past week, southeastern Michigan and much of the eastern U.S. have experienced a deep freeze with extreme cold, snowfall, and plunging temperatures.
  • Just prior to the current arctic blast, the Oakland County, Michigan sheriff's office responded to six ice-related incidents in nine days, including people and animals falling through thin ice.

The players

Dr. Robert Wahl

Vice Chief of Emergency Medicine at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township, Michigan.

Dr. Alexander Cotter

Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and pain management at the Center for Spine and Orthopedics in Denver.

Sheriff Mike Bouchard

Oakland County, Michigan sheriff.

Riley Nolan

Kansas City Battalion Chief.

Adrienne Woodland

Spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group.

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What they’re saying

“If there's ice, there's a risk.”

— Dr. Robert Wahl, Vice Chief of Emergency Medicine (wral.com)

“People all the time think that if you slip it's not going to be a big deal. You're in a rush, looking at your phone and all of sudden you slide. If you're waddling, taking it slow you're going to be safer.”

— Dr. Alexander Cotter, Specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and pain management (wral.com)

“No ice should be considered safe just because we've had a few cold days or because you've measured in one spot.”

— Sheriff Mike Bouchard, Oakland County, Michigan sheriff (wral.com)

“The main thing is for people to have patience. Leave in plenty of time, don't rush to anywhere you need to go.”

— Riley Nolan, Kansas City Battalion Chief (wral.com)

“You definitely do not want to tailgate on snowy and icy roads. You want to allow sufficient room for maintenance vehicles. And with snow plows, stay at least 200 feet (60.9 meters) back from them.”

— Adrienne Woodland, Spokeswoman for AAA-The Auto Club Group (wral.com)

The takeaway

By following common-sense safety tips like slowing down, walking cautiously, and avoiding thin ice, people can significantly reduce their risk of serious injuries during icy winter weather. These simple behavioral changes can help alleviate the burden on emergency responders and healthcare systems during dangerous winter storms.