If a person is crossing ice and it starts to crack, what is the best course of action?

• A. Run quickly to safety
• B. Slow down and be prepared to jump
• C. Try to lie down flat
• D. Call for help immediately

Answer: (B)

The best course of action in this situation is to slow down and be prepared to jump. When ice begins to crack, it indicates that it is under stress and potentially about to break. Running quickly can shift your weight abruptly, potentially causing the ice to fail more quickly under the stress of momentum. By slowing down, you minimize the risk of further destabilizing the ice.

Being prepared to jump offers a practical approach if the ice gives way. If you’re already moving at a slower pace, and if you feel the need to escape, quickly jumping can help distribute your weight differently and may allow you to move towards a safer area more effectively.

The other options, while they may seem logical at first glance, do not offer as effective a strategy in this precarious situation. Calling for help can be important but does not provide immediate safety. Lying down flat can help distribute weight but is less effective if the ice is already cracking.