Extreme weather can be disruptive, especially on the roads and railways, but the dangers can actually begin from your doorstep, with the increased likelihood of slips, trips and falls – both in and out of the workplace.
In light of any extreme weather forecast, from storms to snow and even heatwaves, it’s important to always be prepared.
Read on for expert advice from our personal injury lawyers on keeping safe at home and work during extreme weather conditions.
Winter safety tips
With the colder weather comes ice, snow, high winds and increased chances of extreme rain – as well as darker days, obscuring visibility.
All of these factors pose an increased risk of accident and injury at work and in your free time while driving and walking.
Driving in winter
Winter driving significantly increases the risk of road traffic accidents due to ice, snow, rain and reduced daylight. Even with careful driving, poor road conditions can make stopping distances longer and vehicle control more difficult.
When driving in winter and driving in snow, be sure to always follow these tips:
Reduce speed – drive below the speed limit where conditions are especially poor, as braking distances increase significantly on wet, icy or snowy roads.
Ensure visibility – De-ice windscreens, windows, wing mirrors and other viewing angles before setting off.
Don’t porthole – avoid clearing only a small viewing area on your windscreen. The Highway Code makes it clear that drivers must have a full, clear view of the road ahead; driving with limited visibility can be dangerous and may result in fines or penalty points.
Only make essential journeys – if travel by vehicle is unnecessary, don’t travel at all, mitigating the risk of injury.
Leave more distance – When driving in snow, leave a much greater gap between you and the vehicle ahead to give yourself enough time to react and stop safely should there be an unexpected hazard.
If you are injured in a winter road traffic accident caused by another driver’s negligence, such as excessive speed, poor visibility awareness or failure to maintain their vehicle, you may be able to make an accident compensation claim.
This can cover medical costs, lost earnings and the wider impact the injury has on your day-to-day life.
Learn more about how to make Road Traffic Accident Claims.
Walking in slippery conditions
Whether due to icy pavements in winter or wet leaves in autumn, paths and roads can make walking hazardous in extreme weather. Avoid slips, trips and falls by following these winter safety tips:
Only take essential journeys on foot – if conditions are icy or severe, consider whether your journey is necessary and postpone travel where possible to reduce the risk of slipping.
Adopt a ‘penguin walk’ – take shorter steps and lift your feet lower off the ground than usual to improve balance and stability on slippery surfaces.
Take care both in icy and wet conditions – remain alert for black ice, which can be difficult to see but is especially common in shaded areas and early mornings.
Wear appropriate footwear – choose shoes or boots with good grip and flat, non-slip soles to lower the chance of slipping on wet or icy ground.
Prioritise well-lit and gritted paths – where possible, stick to routes that are well-maintained and gritted every morning by the local authorities.
If you’ve suffered an accident in public that wasn’t entirely your fault, such as a trip due to badly maintained pathways, you could be entitled to compensation.
Staying safe in extreme heat
Heatwaves can pose serious health risks, especially for children and the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions and pets.
Extreme heat can mean severe dehydration, heat stroke, migraines, exhaustion and more – and when experienced behind the wheel of a vehicle or when operating heavy machinery, the consequences can be dire.
To stay safe during extreme heat:
Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
Wear suitable clothing – light, loose-fitting, and breathable fabrics help regulate body temperature. If wearing uniform or PPE that can’t be modified for safety reasons, take regular breaks in designated safe areas to cool off.
Use sun protection – working in the sun for prolonged periods can damage the skin. Apply sunscreen regularly and take breaks in the shade when able.
Keep your environment cool – use fans, promote air circulation and take cool showers (if able) to reduce body temperature.
Accident in extreme weather? Talk to the personal injury specialists
If you’ve been injured in an accident complicated by extreme weather, our experienced personal injury team can provide clear advice and support – including whether you can claim compensation.
Talk to our personal injury specialists today.
