Germans advised to 'walk like a penguin' ahead of big freeze

Forget about strapping a pair of tennis rackets to your feet, or donning special snow shoes – walking like a penguin is quite literally the way forward when it comes to tackling icy pavements.

According to German trauma surgeons, adopting the gait of the aquatic flightless bird will help people avoid slipping on freezing paths as temperatures dip dramtically in the coming days.

The advice was published on the website of the German Society of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery on Wednesday, and came complete with diagrams illustrating exactly how Germans should adapt their walking style.

By leaning forward, the centre of gravity shifts to the front leg, allowing for greater balance in icy conditions.

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Authorities in Berlin will be keen to follow this advice closely, as they were roundly criticised three years ago for failing add rock salt to the streets in the wake of cold weather warnings. Hundreds of bone fracture injuries followed.

With temperatures set to drop to a freezing -10C on Saturday, Berliners would be wise to adapt their walking style pronto.