Run Safely

Earlier this week, two of my running buddies were struck by an SUV. They were discharged from the hospital the same day. One was sore all over while my other buddy suffered the brunt of the impact. She has a broken vertebrae, a concussion and contusion on the brain. Despite all of this, they are in positive spirits and are eager to get back on the pavement and log some miles.

Their accident has caused me to evaluate my running methods. I can admit that I do not always look both ways before crossing the street. I assume that cars making a right turn will see me and make necessary adjustments. Sometimes, when I'm jamming to my iPod, I simply forget to look before crossing the street. There is NO EXCUSE for this. So to ensure that we all remain safe, here are some common practices we should all adhere to:

1. Run on the correct side of the road - While it is a generally accepted practice to run against traffic, please bear in mind that there are many exceptions where you may be forced run with traffic, and even cross the road on one or more occasions during a given run. For instance, regardless of which side it is, run on the side that gives you the best visibility both ahead and behind. Also, run on the side that gives oncoming cars on THAT side the best visibility of you.
2. Run on the safest side of the road - Always run on the side that has a sidewalk or shoulder. Run on the side that has an exit in case you may need to make an escape. For instance, a wall, cliff or ditch do not provide an escape route and are undesirable options if you should run into trouble.
3. Make yourself visible - Wear light-colored clothing and invest in a reflective vest. You can purchase one at a local running store or through a mail-order running catalog.  Here's an example of a runner making sure she is seen during an evening run.
4. Let cars go first - If you and a car are both approaching an intersection, stop and let the car go first.
5. Be acknowledged -  This could be done and viewed as a courtesy, but it serves the dual purpose of also making you visible to oncoming cars and a potentially grabbing the attention of a distracted driver who may not otherwise see you. An erratic side-to-side movement, such as waiving your hand in the air or simply sticking it up in the air to waive, may give you greater visibility to an oncoming vehicle. It may also signal an oncoming vehicle to respond to your gesture with a similar gesture of courtesy, such as waiving back or moving over a little further in the roadway.
6. Beware of right-turning vehicles - Stop and wait until they make the turn, or run behind the vehicle.
7. Carry ID, phone & a few dollars -  A drivers license will do, but even better - get yourself a RoadID, which allows you to identify yourself and any pertinent medical alerts. Also run with your phone and a few dollars in case there is an emergency.
8. Don't run with headphones -  If you are like me, you need the music for the motivation, the beat, distraction, etc. but please be mindful that they are a distraction. Do NOT allow them to be a fatal distraction. Keep the volume at a level that you can easily hear oncoming cars (without the use of their horn), a person's voice, or deer hooves about to trample you. Or, you can simply run using one earpiece, leaving the second tied to your shirt.
9. Don't run alone - Find a running buddy or run with your dog. When running with another person, run in a single-file line. If you do find yourself running alone, make sure you're in a populated area, carry protection and/or a whistle. NEVER run alone at night, along trails or unfamiliar neighborhoods.
10. Tell someone your whereabouts -  If you live alone, tell a friend or family member, and tell them you will call them when you return.

And finally...always, always trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right to you, do NOT apologize for it. Do whatever you need to do to remain safe.

Workout Wifey^TM