As a runner, your preference may certainly be for running on a peaceful forest trail, where you have the space to yourself. But in reality, there are many times when you’re probably just running in your neighborhood. This means that you are going to constantly be around cars, trucks and other types of traffic.
Pedestrian accidents can lead to severe injuries, disabilities and fatalities. As such, it’s important to know exactly how to stay safe when you’re out for a run.
Being proactive about safety
Nothing guarantees you won’t be injured by a negligent driver, but the following tips can help you make safety a priority:
- Always obey the rules of the road, and do not run against traffic lights, even if there is no traffic visibly present.
- If you have to cross the street, always use crosswalks.
- When possible, run on the sidewalk. If there isn’t a sidewalk, run on the shoulder while facing traffic.
- Don’t let yourself get distracted by your cellphone.
- Don’t listen to headphones or earbuds.
- Run with someone else so that you’re more visible.
- Wear brightly colored clothing.
- If you’re running in low-light conditions, wear a headlamp or reflective clothing.
Finally, just assume that drivers around you are going to make mistakes. This is why it’s important to try to make eye contact with the driver before crossing the road in front of their vehicle, even if it’s at a crosswalk and you have the right of way. You want to ensure that they’ve actually seen you.
Unfortunately, mistakes still happen even when you do everything you can to stay safe. If you’ve been injured, then you need to know how to seek financial compensation.