How to stay safe walking to school during the winter

Photo Credit: The Great Elm

By Gabriel Rivera and Jheyly Rojas '26

As temperatures drop to single digits following January’s cold front, students walking to school face increased risks of slips and frostbite.

Bundle up. Wear a thick jacket and double-layer gloves. To avoid slipping, use shoes that have deep soles, like snow boots or ice cleats.

Properly dressing for the weather is a three-layer system. Have a moisture-wicking base like a standard T-shirt, an insulating middle like a sweatshirt, and a proper winter jacket on the outside to combat the wind.

Walk slowly. Running will cause slipping on ice. Even if running late, it’s important to watch the ground and be careful, because even if it doesn’t look like there’s anything there, ice can be tricky to spot.

Black ice is super thin and slippery, and hard to spot. Keep a look out for shiny spots and avoid them if possible.

“Be extra cautious while walking to school in the winter,” says Rocco Colon, a senior who walks to school. “Watch out for traffic, especially if there’s after-school activities like sports, because people tend to drive more recklessly during the winter. Get a ride to and from if possible, or walk with a friend for safety.”
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Stay safe out there. A tardy slip is better than an injury from slipping on ice. Check the weather app or look out the window and dress accordingly. Proper preparation is necessary to turn a dangerous, unpleasant way to school into a manageable one.

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