My Turn
By Eva Briggs
Outdoor Safety for Those Who Stay Active in the Winter Winter is just getting started, so it’s time to equip yourself for safety to reduce your chance of becoming an accident victim
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IN GOOD HEALTH – CNY’s Healthcare Newspaper • January 2018
s I write this in December, the daylight hours are short and snow is swirling. That translates to poor visibility and dangerous conditions for runners, dog walkers, snow shovelers and others who spend time outdoors. Proper gear can enhance the ability of motorists to detect pedestrians and reduce the chance of accidents. First, consider the color of your clothing. Light colors show up better in the dark — though perhaps not white in the winter, due to its similarity to snow. Bright colors — think fluorescent yellow-green, fluorescent orange-red, and fluorescent red — stand out in daylight. In fact, testing by the American National Safety Institute suggests that fluorescent yellow-green is the most visible in fore disappears at night. The other is daylight, though the fluorescent orange-red and fluorescent red become small and brown and can scarcely be seen against dry brown leaves. But increasingly visible under low light for just a few dollars, they’re each conditions. decked out in a high-viz dog vest for For the science nerds, the wavetheir nighttime walks. Other options length of that most visible yellow-green is about 550 nanometers. It for canine safety include lighted turns out that the light-detecting cells collars, lighted leashes, and lights that snap onto the dog’s collar. An in our retinas are most sensitive to advantage of the vest is that it won’t light at 550 nanometers. Add reflecbe covered by long hair like a lighted tive stripes to enhance nighttime collar or tag. visibility. Don’t forget proper footwear to Lightweight high-viz vests can reduce the chance of slipping and be ordered from Amazon for less than $10, though you can spend more falling. Several brands of shoes now sell footwear with Vibram arctic if you desire a sturdier model with grip soles. They’re supposed to grip more features. You might as well get even wet ice to prevent falls. They’re two, and toss one in your car in case pricey, but if they really work, they’re of a nighttime breakdown or other cheaper than a doctor’s bill and emergency. And if you don’t want a missed day at work. vest, you can get a belt, armbands or Other options include various wristbands. strap-on traction devices, such those Next add some light. You can made by YakTrax and Katoohla. carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp. Or you can go a bit more technical with armbands, clip on lights, Eva Briggs is a even shoe lights. Most lights have a medical doctor flashing setting to make you stand who works at out even better. two urgent care Bugow’s A few people take their bicycles Driver centers (Central Rehab out in the winter. If you do, strap on Square and a headlight and taillight.dan@bugows.com For best Fulton) operated visibility, also had wheel lights. by Oswego Senior Driver and Evaluations Teens, adults disabled If you walk a dog,Driver you’ll want Health. Evaluations & Training to make sure he or she is visible too. 315-341-8811 One of my dogs is black and there-
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Bugow’s Driver Rehab Senior Driver Evaluations Bugow’ s Driver Rehab dan@bugows.com
Driver Evaluations & Training dan@bugows.com
www.bugows.com Teens, adults and 315-341-8811 disabled Driver Evaluations & Training
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315-341-8811