Springtime in New York can be pretty magical. As the brutality and isolation of wintertime fade away, many New Yorkers spend far more time outside their own homes than they have in many months. It is important to embrace the beauty of spring, if only because doing so is good for body and spirit. However, it is also important to be cautious when venturing out, as spring can be a dangerous time of year.
Being excited to roam can make people engage in more reckless behaviors than they would under different circumstances. Additionally, snowmelt and rain tend to make surfaces slick. When temperatures hover right around freezing, virtually every surface upon which New Yorkers travel can become downright hazardous.
Staying safe when walking around New York in springtime
In order to better ensure that you can minimize the likelihood of incurring a slip-and-fall injury this season, consider keeping the following tips in mind:
- Avoid pavement that is broken or cracked when possible. Slick surfaces that are uneven are less safe than ones that are well-maintained
- Take particular care when entering a building if it is snowy, rainy or “melty” outside, as the entryway to a building is likely to be slick due to people tracking moisture in on their shoes
- Wear non-slip footwear
- Look ahead to spot icy patches
With all this said, sometimes even the most conscientious pedestrians get hurt via a slip-and-fall accident through no fault of their own. If this should happen to you over the next few months, know that you can seek legal guidance at any time to explore your rights and legal options.