Some 17,000 people visited hospital accident and emergency departments between December 16 and January 15 after falling on icy pavements and roads.

And 16% were so seriously injured they had to be hospitalised, safety lobby group Consument en Veiligheid said on Monday.
Seven out of 10 people broke at least one bone when they fell and half of all victims were aged 55 and older, the organisation said.
The total direct medical cost of all the ice-related accidents was €38m, the group said. It is urging local councils to put more effort into making sure roads and pavements are properly gritted during wintry weather.