Slippery conditions in Sweden – A public safety issue that needs to be taken more seriously

Icebug’s CEO, David, weighs in on how the recent extreme ice conditions in Sweden—causing slips and falls—are straining healthcare and leading to tough consequences for people.

Anyone who has visited an emergency room or read a newspaper in Sweden over the past few weeks knows that January has brought extreme slipperiness to many parts of the country. And it’s hardly surprising. Every winter, we see the same thing: thousands of people suffer serious injuries from slip-and-fall accidents on Swedish streets and sidewalks. Older adults and women are the most affected, and the consequences are not just personal tragedies—they also come at a massive cost to society and put additional strain on an already overburdened healthcare system.

Despite how well-known the problem is, far too little is being done.

3,400 single-person pedestrian accidents every year in Sweden

According to statistics from the Swedish Transport Agency, approximately 3,400 single-person pedestrian accidents occur in Sweden each year. Nearly all of them are falls, and in more than half of the cases, the cause is slippery conditions. Even worse, over 21,000 people seek medical care annually for slip-related injuries—whether they happen on sidewalks, in parks, or at workplaces. The cost of these accidents amounts to billions of kronor every year—money that could instead be used for preventive measures rather than treating injuries.

Two out of three people affected are women, and individuals over the age of 55 are particularly vulnerable. At the same time, many older adults don’t even dare to leave their homes during the winter months. In Sweden, this isn’t just a safety issue—it’s a matter of equality, fairness, and the fundamental right to live an active and healthy life.

Finland shows the way forward

Finland has proven that change is possible. There, authorities have introduced a pedestrian slip warning system based on weather forecasts from the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Residents receive warnings via text messages and news channels about local slip hazards, allowing them to prepare—just as drivers do. The result? A population that is better informed and fewer injuries.

Sweden has recently taken small steps in the same direction. The Swedish Transport Administration and other stakeholders have set a national goal to reduce fall accidents by 25% between 2020 and 2030. A research project to develop slip warnings based on forecasts from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) has also received funding. But it’s not enough. The number of accidents isn’t decreasing, and many of the necessary measures remain mere ideas on paper. It’s time to take action.

Our three proposed measures

We propose three measures to prevent slip-related accidents in Sweden.

Implement a national slip warning system for pedestrians
Make it easy to access real-time information on local slip risks via apps, text messages, and news channels—just like Finland has done.

Introduce a certification for slip-resistant shoes
The Swedish Transport Administration has already developed a standard for “grip-friendly shoes” to help people avoid subpar footwear, but this should be expanded to include a certification for studded shoes and traction devices. That way, people can more easily choose the level of slip protection they need.

Prioritize municipal winter maintenance
Icy sidewalks and walkways must be maintained as carefully as roads for vehicles. Municipalities need resources and clear requirements for winter maintenance.

We urge Swedish politicians, authorities, and responsible organizations to take this issue seriously. We cannot allow slippery conditions to continue limiting people’s lives and causing unnecessary suffering. It’s time for Sweden to become a leader in the fight against slip-related accidents—for our older adults and for everyone who wants to feel safe in winter conditions.

We use our business to do good

At Icebug, we’re committed to making better shoes that help you get out every day – no matter the conditions. Also, we have decided to change our industry by taking responsibility for our footprint. Our goal is to make footwear with great durability, low CO2 emissions and respect for people and planet. Part of the money that you invest in us, we give back to the planet by donating to organizations that, for instance, work to preserve old-growth forests.