RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Winter-weather-related falls are top of mind following the dangerous snow and ice storm that hit the Commonwealth over the weekend, prompting numerous calls reporting falls during icy conditions. The storm brought snow, sleet and freezing rain, with officials reporting an i ncrease in falls as freezing rain quickly turned roads, sidewalks and driveways into sheets of ice. Officials recommended using sand, kitty litter, oil dry, oatmeal or other similar materials to improve traction and help prevent slipping. In Henrico County alone, officials responded to 46 calls reporting falls during icy conditions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 28, per a spokesperson for the Henrico County Division of Fire. VDOT says ice-breaking efforts continue after winter storm Bon Secours According to a Bon Secours spokesperson, hospitals are seeing an increase in fall-related injuries presenting in both their emergency departments and urgent care clinics across the Richmond area. These injuries include strains, sprains, contusions and fractures. Common patterns include wrist and shoulder fractures from falling on an outstretched arm, as well as hip or pelvis fractures from falling on one’s side. Many of these falls are occurring among older adults. A spokesperson added that black ice is also contributing to these injuries. "We encourage everyone to exercise extreme caution when traveling outdoors during these conditions," the spokesperson said. How have Virginia railways been affected by dangerous snow, ice storm? Patient First While Patient First does not have specific data on fall-related injuries, the organization reports treating a "significant number" of patients for winter-weather-related sprains and strains. Some injuries are associated with snow removal, while others are due to slips on ice. A spokesperson said clinics have also treated a small number of sledding-related injuries. Patient First locations offer on-site X-ray services, allowing patients to receive both evaluation and imaging in a single visit. Why aren’t Virginia’s roads being cleared quickly after snow, ice storm? VDH The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) told 8News that Central Virginia recorded the highest number of visits for slips, trips and falls, with 469 total visits -- roughly three times the daily average in the area. Statewide, more than 1,5000 emergency department visits related to slips, trips and falls were reported on Tuesday, Jan. 28, which is about double the daily average since Dec. 1, 2025. Of Tuesday's visits, 72% involved adults aged 45 years and older. Number of crashes dropping after weekend winter storm, VSP says Virginia Hospital Healthcare Association From 2020 to 2025, the Virginia Hospital Healthcare Association (VHHA) reported an increase in emergency department visits due to fall-related injuries among patients aged 0 to 64, as well as among those aged 65 and older. In 2020, fall-related emergency department visits for individuals aged 0 to 64 ranged from 22,000 to 27,000. By 2024, that number had increased to between 35,000 and 37,000. Among adults aged 65 and older, fall-related visits rose from 13,000 to 17,000 to about 26,000 in 2024. AAA responds to battery issues, snow extractions and more in wintry weather HCA Virginia A HCA Virginia spokesperson said the organization does not specifically track ice-related falls but has seen an increase in emergency department visits related to slips and falls over the past 24 hours, particularly among elderly patients. The most common injuries include ankle fractures, hip fractures and wrist fractures. Older people are disproportionately affected, especially when it comes to hip injuries. "As conditions continue to improve and people begin to venture outdoors, we anticipate that fall-related injuries may increase over the next several days," the spokesperson said. "Our hospitals serve large senior populations, and we are prepared for a potential rise in head trauma and orthopedic injuries." The spokesperson urged Virginians to use extreme caution when outside, especially on slippery driveways and walkways, and to avoid unnecessary trips, such as walking down icy or slick driveways to check the mail. ...read more read less