Spencer, IA (KICD)– Winter finally decided to make its appearance in the local area over the past few weeks which may have some still adjusting to getting around on slippery surfaces caused by ice and snow.

Laura Manwarren is the Safety Director and Spencer Hospital. She says slips, trips and falls due to winter weather are the second most common cause of unintentional deaths from injuries each year in the United States, only behind traffic deaths.

Manwarren notes that one of the best ways to avoid taking that trip to the ground is to practice defensive walking.

Manwarren further suggests having a container of sand in the vehicle that can be sprinkled on the ground to help with traction before stepping out.