Fall accidents linked to snow and ice are estimated annually to cost society 22 billion, according to VTI, the state’s road and transport research institutes. Several pension organizations require the Riksdag to decide on a zero vision for slip accidents.
– It is insane that you do not look at the social perspective, says Peter Sikström, SPF Seniors.
Temperatures around zero and unstable weather mean that several municipalities in the country have problems with ice slip. Peter Sikström is secretary general of SPF, the Swedish Pensioners’ Association, and wants politicians to take the issue more seriously.
– weather changes come and go and it is difficult to keep up with a municipality. But not having a better readiness, it is not a solution, says Peter Sikström.
Older risk group for slip accidents
According to the report from VTI, the State Road and Transport Research Institute, around 6600 people seek emergency care in connection with fall accidents linked to snow and ice. Persons 65 years and older form a risk group for slip accidents and are affected in several ways.
– Many elderly people are sitting at home in their apartments. They are unable to go out. If you have a walker, a cane or if you are a little wobbly in the body, this is with the slip a prison, says Peter Sikström.
Confederation requires national zero vision
Several pensioners’ associations and organizations have for several years demanded a national zero vision for slip accidents. Peter Sårdröm believes that a zero vision had made the ice rink a more priority issue.
– Then we will see that resources are added. If you have a vision that you should ensure that the population does not slip then there is snow removal and slip control that are worth the name. Today we have no vision and then we get a result that does not work.
Prioritizes pedestrians and public transport
Lars Strömberg is a traffic citizen council in Stockholm and agrees that the changing weather is making it.
– We have been working for a few years to prioritize pedestrians mainly, bicycle and public transport accessibility. Then it is extra challenging when the weather commutes around zero. Then it freezes and becomes more challenging, says Lars Strömberg.
There is no national zero vision for slip accidents, but according to Lars Strömberg, the municipality is still working on the same goal.
– We work based on that goal and we work as efficiently as we can and prioritize pedestrians mainly. Then it is often a lack of space that means that it is not possible to use the garbage salting method everywhere in town.