Winter Safety - February 2023 Trauma Talk

Driving Tips

24% of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snow, slush, or icy pavement.

If you get into a skid….

1. Continue to look where you want to go.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
3. Avoid slamming on your brakes.
4. Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again.
5. When the front wheels regain traction, continue to steer gently in the desired direction.

Snow Safety

Approximately 1 million Americans are injured on ice and snow; 17,000 of these injuries are fatal.

• Wear shoes or boots with heavy tread to prevent falls and wear proper layers to prevent frostbite.
• Anticipate ice: Black ice may look like wet pavement. Approach with caution.

Colorado has the most unstable snowpack in North America because of our large snowfalls and warm sunny days.

• Don’t get buried: Avoid roofs/eaves with large snow loads. Keep your roof clear of large snow loads. Falling snow and ice can cause injuries.

An average of 27 people die from avalanches in the U.S. each year. 7 people died in avalanches in Colorado during the 2021-2022 season.

• Use caution and get training when recreating outdoors near steep snowy slopes. Cross country skiing and snow shoeing can trigger an avalanche.

Winter safety tips are brought to you by the Western Slope Trauma Collaborative.