Snow and Ice

[littlemissbump14]

So, if you live in the UK (or indeed probably many other countries) it cannot have escaped your notice that the outside world is starting to turn white, and somewhat perilous! I'm currently terrified of the outside as I fall on flat dry pavements, frozen snow is most definately NOT my friend!
So, I thought I would start this to see if people can share tips to help fellow dyspraxics survive the ice and snow.

xXx

[meow]

Wear shoes with proper grip on them, but other than that I have no tips..

last year a girl made a joke out of me and rudely asked if I wanted her to hold my hand because I was being so careful and holding on so tightly to the rail when walking down some steps.

[ezzy]

Grippy shoes and walk slowly is about the only thing we can do. Last year was a nightmare for me too, especially falling over in public, some people were rather rude to me too

[Grackle]

I live in Ontario Canada so I'm pretty used to snow. Strangely though we haven't had any snow yet this year in my city. Some of my suggestions are probably kind of obvious but I thought that I would include everything. So some suggestions:
Wear boots with thick treads. Hiking boots work very well. Boots are better than shoes because you won't mind so much if you have to walk through a pile of snow to avoid ice. Make sure that your boots bend a bit around your ankles and legs. A friend of mine broke her leg because she had boots on with stiff plastic sides on them so they didn't bend when she fell.
If the path is icy, try and walk through any fresh snow near it rather than on the ice.
Take small steps.
Bend your knees a little more than usual when walking to lower your centre of gravity.
If you have ice around your house, put salt or sand on it (kitty litter works well too but not the clumping kind)
Don't worry about going slow or slipping and sliding a bit. Around here, people fall on ice all the time and nobody thinks that they're an idiot. If you are falling try and throw your weight back so you land on your butt.
Grackle

[littlemissbump14]

Thanks Grackle!

I will bear that in mind. I've also taken to cycling a lot as I've noticed roads get cleared/gritted far better than pavements!

xXx

[Evasura]

I also think cycling is the best solution. Walking is a nightmare

[DyspraxicButProud]

Wear shoes with proper grip on them, but other than that I have no tips..

last year a girl made a joke out of me and rudely asked if I wanted her to hold my hand because I was being so careful and holding on so tightly to the rail when walking down some steps.

AUGH! I hate it when people joke like that. "Normal" people don't seem to realize just how difficult it can be to balance yourself in weather like this. People without dyspraxia DO have a difficult time in this weather, but it's even more difficult for people like us. . .who can barely walk and chew gum at the same time. Period. At least, that's the way it is for me. Don't worry, meow. I know exactly what you're feeling.

The only that's saved me from a few broken bones are boots with excellent traction. Aside from that, nothing else has really helped. I can't even really hold on to bars or walls because I end up falling anyway. In fact, I remember hurting my arm really badly trying to keep myself from falling. I twisted my arm on a rail. No broken bones, but ouch! O_O