Avoiding Accidents during Wintertime

Winter poses a unique set of challenges. The ground underfoot is more slippery, the visibility is poorer, and you'll be at increased risk of running into severe weather events. The recent storms in the UK provide an illustration that snowy weather can strike even late in the season.

Staying safe outside

If you're walking from place to place, then you'll want to make sure that you're wrapped up appropriately, and that you're wearing appropriate footwear. Slips and falls can inflict serious damage, even if we don't consider them serious problems. Similarly, if you underestimate the cold and you end up stranded, then you're at high risk of cold-weather-related illnesses.

Life on the road can be considerably more hazardous at this time of year. You'll therefore want to ensure that your vehicle has been cared for correctly. Refill your screen-wash reservoirs, and consider winter tyres, which will help you to maintain your grip even on an ice-slick road. You can buy tyres online, which makes life convenient. Ensure that they're adequately inflated, and you'll enjoy much better performance and fuel economy - as well as a lower risk of accidents.

It's also a good idea to plan your trip so that you're avoiding areas of flooding. Pay attention to the weather forecasts, have an alternative route in mind, and don't take unnecessary risks. If you're tempted to drive through a large puddle, make sure you're driving an off-road vehicle.

Of course, it's rarely a good idea to travel when there's an extreme weather warning in force. If you're in doubt, err on the side of caution - and keep an eye on the Met Office's warnings. For those in certain more remote parts of the country, the investment in snow chains might be more than worthwhile!

If the worst does happen and you do get stuck outdoors in cold weather, then you'll be glad to have packed a small kit for emergencies. This should include a first-aid kit, blankets, torches, batteries, food and water. Keep it under the passenger seat and forget about it until it's necessary!

Staying safe inside

Winter weather can be a tricky thing to contend with, even if you're not going outside. And with public services such as the NHS staging strikes, it's not the best time to put yourself in danger considering the higher risks of medical negligence. That's why, if you can, avoid going out during blizzards or heavy rain storms; after all it's better to be safe than sorry.

If you haven't already, consider adding insulation to your home (except for new builds) and you'll make life much more comfortable, while driving down your heating bills simultaneously.

Toward the same end, you might wrap up warm inside, too. Blankets, heavy bedcovers, and the like can all help to make life slightly more affordable. As ever, it's a good idea to set your heating such that it doesn't come on when you aren't actually in the room in question. Thermostatic radiator valves can be helpful, here.