Staying Safe While Running Alongside Traffic

Staying Safe While Running Alongside Traffic

If you are a runner, you understand there are risks when running alongside traffic. It can be challenging for a driver to see a pedestrian because of the way the brain and the eyes relay messages to one another. A human takes up a smaller portion of the visual field, so it might take a double take for the driver to perceive that it is an individual. You can do some extra things to make yourself more visible when you are running alongside traffic. Always exercise caution and run with the assumption that drivers won’t see you. Here are a few things you can do to make sure you stand out.

• Dress in Bright Colors

When you are going out for a run, be careful about what you wear. Some colors will blend in with the landscape. Fluorescent colors will help you stand out. Drivers will see you and you will stand out from your surroundings. Lime green, neon yellow, hot pink, and bright orange will get more attention than brown, black, white, green, or blue. Don’t blend in. Stand out!

• Obey Traffic Laws

Traffic laws were enacted for a reason. They are designed to keep people safe. Be familiar with the traffic laws and adhere to them to help reduce the chance of an accident. Stop at intersections, don’t run in between cars, and don’t unpredictably dart through traffic. Give your own safety priority.

• Reflective Clothing

If you are running at night, take extra precautions. You need to stand out and be noticed by passing vehicles. This means you need to be decked out with reflectors. Wear a reflective safety vest, buy a reflective jacket, or a reflective hat. If you don’t want to spend money, put reflective tape across your chest and back and even along your legs. Wear reflective bands around your wrists and ankles.

• Carry a Flashlight

A flashlight is also important. If you are out before dawn or after dusk, carry a flashlight. You should run with the flashlight turned on and pointed down toward the ground in front of you. This will help you get noticed. Drivers will see the light and realize there is someone there. You can also purchase knuckle lights, so that you don’t have to hold anything in your hands. Another option is to wear a headlamp, which come in a wide variety of sizes and colors. You can also purchase small lights to clip on to your waist belt or your shoes.

• Run Toward Traffic

Pedestrians are supposed to walk facing traffic. The same goes for runners. When you are running toward traffic, you will be able to see the cars and where they are headed. If a car is coming toward you, you can jump out of the way. You cannot see what is approaching you from behind.

• Run with a Buddy

Two people are always better than one. Drivers are much more likely to see two people rather than a single person. Having a running buddy also helps improve safety in other ways. If one of you becomes ill or gets injured, the other can go for help. Running with a training group or club is an even better option. There’s safety in numbers when you’re running in heavily traveled areas.

• Run in Areas That are Well Lit

If you are running at night, you want to make sure you are running in areas that are well lit. That way, the drivers can see you and you can see where you are going, so that you don’t fall. And speaking of falling, it’s best to run in an area that you’re familiar with. A newly paved, smooth road surface is going to make for a much easier run than an old, cracked sidewalk that may cause you to trip and fall because you can’t see well. Sidewalks may be tougher on your joints, but if you’re running in a heavily traveled area with a lot of car traffic, it may be your safest bet when you’re running in the dark.

• Carry a Cell Phone

If you’re headed out in the dark, it’s a good idea to take a cell phone with you on your run. In an emergency, or if you get lost of injured, it can be a lifesaver. It can be easy to store in a waist belt.

• No Music

Ditch the music. You may love to run to your favorite playlists, but when you’re running around a lot of vehicular traffic, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and listen. Run free from the distractions of music and you’ll be running more safely.

Always put your safety first. Unfortunately, in a battle between a runner and a car, the runner is going to lose. Remember, visibility is the first step in staying safe when you go out for a run. Make sure you take every step that you possibly can to ensure your safety and to make sure you stand out, so drivers will notice you. By just spending some extra time getting ready for your run, you can improve your visibility and reduce your risks of being hit by a car.

If you approach an intersection, try to make eye contact with the driver of the car before you proceed. There are many distracted drivers on the roads today. Sometimes drivers are looking at their cell phones or listening to the radio, or just mindlessly driving home after a long day at work. Never assume that you will be noticed. Instead, proceed as though you are not going to be seen by drivers.

This article was provided by www.personalinjurylaw.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only.