Winter Road Hazards.

Please enjoy this cold, re-run of a My Odd Sock…

With an interest in your public safety, My Odd Sock would like to remind you that old man winter’s ice & snow can make traveling quite treacherous–so be careful on your journey.

Duh!

This message isn’t just for those in motor vehicles.

I’m speaking to all MSers & others who “motor-vate” using canes, crutches and rollators!

You see, winter’s slippery conditions can make these mobility aids as useless as spike heels on a frozen lake.  (Not that I have worn spike heels on a frozen lake.)

Canes & Crutches, Crutches & Canes.

On the ice, these guys are deadly.  To safely put a weight-bearing pole on the ice–you better stick your landing like Mary Lou Retton.  In other words, a straight up & down-90 degree plant, because otherwise a cane or crutch will slip out from under you.

In the snow, a cane or crutches work well, but you must be careful when coming indoors.

The snow accumulates around the tips of your gear like guys huddling around a TV at a wedding reception!

So clear that excess snow away before you take a step inside.

Next, scope out the floor of the room you are entering.

If it is carpeted, there shouldn’t be a problem.  But if the floor is smooth like concrete or tile, the wet tips of your gear, even the wet floor itself, can leave you giving head-first chin music to a floor near you!

That is why I always properly dry (and style) the end of my cane!

(Twisting the end into a throw-rug works just as well!)

Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’.

Like drivers of SUV’s who think they are impervious to the perils of winter weather, MSers using rollators should also heed caution!

A recent walk down my slightly-sloping driveway became a white-knuckle ride as my rollator began picking up speed.

Instinctively, I squeezed my brake handles causing my wheels to lock up.  The rollator careened toward a snowbank when I remembered the first rule of winter driving….”Always pump the brakes.”

Thus, by pumping my handbrakes, I regained control of my rollator and averted a dangerous situation.

Moments later as I over corrected a turn, the rollator entered a skid.

Responding with the reflexes of a Formula One driver, I remembered the second rule of winter driving….”Turn into the direction of the skid.”

Thankfully, with the adeptness of Captain Sully, I guided my rollator safely back into my garage.

Lesson learned.

And let this be a lesson to you too!  I only share my harrowing experiences so you may not make the same mistakes–but be safe in your own haven.

Would you like to share a personal winter experience?

Can you offer tips to others for making the next journey safer?

Remember, slow & steady.  (If you have MS, you probably have the “slow” part down pat!)