Safety During the Winter Season

Child injury and death during winter is a very serious issue that deserves significant attention. Non-compliance with safety rules at water bodies during the winter period annually leads to fatalities and injuries, with children often among the victims. Winter weather is unstable, with brief frosts frequently giving way to thaws.

In winter, water bodies are very dangerous, especially where there is current and the thickness of the ice in many places is still unable to support not only the weight of an adult but also that of a child. Nevertheless, this does not deter winter fishing enthusiasts and children eager to skate or sled. Where people neglect safety measures, tragedies occur.

With the onset of frost, water bodies are covered with ice. It is essential to remember that under no circumstances should one test the strength of the ice by jumping or kicking it. The thickness of the ice can vary even on the same water body. It is also prohibited to go onto the ice during dark hours or in conditions of limited visibility (fog, rain, snowfall).

Skating should only be done in specially equipped areas or rinks. Children should be discouraged from playing on the ice of frozen water bodies. The slope chosen for sledding or skiing must be located far from the road.

Tubing is popular not only among children. Sometimes even adults seize the opportunity to slide down a hill. However, neglecting safety rules while using a tube poses risks of serious injuries and can even result in fatalities.

Both adults and children enjoy the speed at which they can slide down a hill on a tube. However, this is precisely the dangerous drawback: tubing is practically impossible to stop, slow down, or steer; it is essentially uncontrollable. Sliding in areas not designated for this purpose can lead to injuries and disabilities.

Remember that hills and slopes for sliding are places of increased danger. When sliding down a hill, it is necessary to adhere to simple rules: do not descend until the previous slider has moved aside; do not linger at the bottom after sliding down, but move aside as quickly as possible.

Equally important during the winter period is adherence to traffic rules.

To prevent accidents on the road, it is necessary to equip clothing, bags, or backpacks with reflective elements; move only on the sidewalk (if absent – on the shoulder) facing oncoming traffic; cross the road only at locations equipped with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings; before crossing the road, ensure that there are no moving vehicles.

Observing basic safety rules will help avoid injuries during the winter period!

Deputy Prosecutor
Braslav District                                                                            
E.S.Isakova