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Contact: Amanda
Olsen – AMR Public Relations Specialist/PIO
(503) 736-3480 Pager: (503) 920-0040
amanda_olsen@amr-ems.com
SAFE WALKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND
PORTLAND, ORE., December
1, 2003 – After a snow or ice storm, pedestrian
traffic increases significantly. But “walking in a Winter
wonderland” can create serious pedestrian safety problems
that are often ignored or overlooked by traffic safety experts.
Snow drifts can cover signs and landmarks, or block corners,
crosswalks, and handicap access ramps. Walkways may not be
cleared, forcing pedestrians to walk in the street. The snow
and ice can turn familiar territory into an alien landscape
for pedestrians and motorists. But there are things you can
do to be a smart pedestrian – especially during the
winter months. American Medical Response (AMR) Northwest is
dedicated to injury prevention and would like you to consider
the following safety tips before you take one step onto that
slippery sidewalk!
*WINTER SAFETY TIPS FOR PEDESTRIANS
•
If the sidewalks and walkways are impassable and you have
to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to
the curb as you can.
•
Proper gear is a must, but wearing dark “winter”
colors can make it hard for motorists to see you, especially
if they aren’t expecting you. Consider wearing a brightly-colored
scarf or hat, or reflective gear, especially if you have to
walk in the street. And don’t forget gloves, and shoes
or boots with nonslip soles.
•
Snow that has accumulated into drifts can muffle the sounds
of approaching motor vehicles. Wearing hats and scarves that
cover your ears can also distort or even eliminate these sounds.
Keep warm, but make sure you can hear what’s going on
around you.
•
If you can, shop before the storm hits! When you shop, don’t
buy more than you can easily carry. Remember - the streets
may be slippery and carrying heavy packages can impair your
balance.
•
When traveling with babies or small children, make sure they
are dressed in brightly colored or reflective clothing. If
you have to push a stroller or walk in the street, the child
should be in front of you and as close to the curb as possible.
•
Because of road conditions, motorists may not be able to stop
at traffic signals or slow down for pedestrians. Before you
step off of the curb into the street, make sure that any approaching
vehicles have come to a complete stop.
•
Bending your knees a little, and taking slower steps can greatly
reduce your chances of falling.
*Source: National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov.
In the state of Oregon, AMR provides
emergent and non-emergent ambulance service in Multnomah,
Clackamas, Josephine and Washington Counties.
American Medical Response Inc.
(www.amr.net), the nation’s largest provider of
medical transportation, is locally operated in 35 states.
More than 18,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs and other professionals
transport over four million patients nationwide each year
in emergency, critical and non-emergency situations. AMR,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Laidlaw International, Inc. (TSX:BUS),
is headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colo.
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