1.Pedestrian crossings
- These crossings are likely to be slippery because the heat from vehicle exhaust melts snow on the road, which refreezes and is buffed smooth by passing vehicles.
- Walk carefully where a crossing meets the sidewalk or the median: Differences in gradient and level make such spots slippery.
- Ramps that slope down from the curb to the crossing are places where pedestrians tend to lose their footing and fall.
- An ice film can form on the white lines at crosswalks, because they’re less water-permeable than bare pavement. Just because they’re free of snow doesn’t mean they’re not slippery.
2.Pavements with road heating
- A height difference often occurs where a snow-free section with road heating meets a snow-covered section without road heating. This height difference and the sudden change in walkway surface hinder smooth walking and make it easy to fall.
3.At entrances to subway stations and underground malls
- These locations require extra attention, because differences between snow-free areas and wintry areas may cause you to loose your footing.
- Hurrying to make the scheduled departure can make you inattentive about your footing. Cut your speed to increase your safety.
4.Sidewalk sections accessed by vehicles
- Sidewalk sections at the entrances to parking lots or gas stations become icy from the entrance and exit of vehicles, which compact and buff the snow.
- Where sidewalk sections cross vehicle entrances, the sidewalk often slopes transversely toward the roadway, and these spots can be treacherous to walk on when they’re snowy.
5.Bus stops/taxi stands
- These locations are slippery because the snow is compacted by passengers getting on and off.
6.Tile floors of underground malls and other buildings
- Most floors of underground malls and buildings are tiled. When snow and ice get caught in the treads of non-slip shoes, it becomes hard to walk on smooth tile floors. To keep from slipping, make sure to remove snow and ice caught in your shoe treads.
- The metal parts of detachable non-slip attachments slip on tile floors. It’s a good idea to detach them when walking inside.
Gravel Boxes You’ll see these gravel boxes installed at major intersections in downtown Sapporo. They hold bags of gravel for pedestrians to spread on crossways when crossing. They’re for public use. Give it a try as something to remember your trip by.
Safe Walking in Winter
Remember these four tips for safe walking.
Walking Behavior Most Likely to Result in a Fall
Hurrying, Walking drunk, Walking with both hands full, etc.
Suggested Winter Clothing
Wearing proper clothes to keep you warm will also keep you from falling.
Walk Smart(Leaflet Download)
This leaflet summarizes tips for not falling on icy roads.
