Safety first in frosty and slippery conditions

The dutch foundation for 'consumer and safety' has conducted a survey on the number of personal accidents that occurred as a result of frosty and slippery surfaces during the previous winter period.
In the period from november 28 up and to december 31 2010, over 18.000 people were brought in to the emergency room at the hospital. Of this total,14% of the injured were actually admitted to the hospital for further treatment.
The combined direct medical costs that have been made, has run up to an estimated 50 million euro. The resulting absenteeism was estimated at approximately 36 million euro in the before mentioned period.
In the winter of 2009/2010 about 36.000 people ended up in the emergency room and the total costs for the society as a result of the winter weather was estimated at 220 million euro.
Even though people seems to have adjusted better to the dangers of slipping on the snowed on or frozen surfaces compared to the winterly period of the year before, a vast majority (86%) of injuries occur when pedestrians enter a public street (sidewalk or curb). One of six injuries happen when slipping with a bike or moped. The most vulnerable group will remain the elderly. Almost half of these injuries were contracted by persons 55 or older and 12% of which were over 70 years old.
Having taken all this into account, more attention should be given to prevention in the future. 
For instance by keeping the streets, sidewalks and curbs snow and frost free.
But also by taking necessary precautions yourself should help keep you and your loved-ones injury-free.

- Keep your streets snow- and frostfree by using a snowshovel
- Cross the street safely with anti-slip soles under your shoes.
- Keep a clear view on the road and make sure your car windows are snow- and frostfree

Source:
www.veiligheid.nl Letsel Informatie Systeem (L/S), Consument en Veiligheid - 30 .03.2011
www.blikopnieuws.nl- 30.03.2010

Go back