Pedestrian accidents are common and can have devastating consequences. Many people who run or jog for exercise expose themselves to a certain amount of risk every time they run near the street.
Fortunately, there are steps runners can take to increase their safety and lower the odds of being involved in a pedestrian accident. Below are some tips to keep in mind.
Run facing traffic
The best strategy is to stay on sidewalks and out of the road entirely. But if you would prefer to run on the shoulder, as asphalt is softer than cement, or if there is no sidewalk, always run facing oncoming traffic.
Increase your visibility
Avoid running in dark clothing, especially at dawn or dusk. Pick bright clothing whenever possible. If you have to run as it gets dark, consider reflective clothing, headlamps or vests with LED lights.
Make eye contact with drivers
Always assume that you are invisible to drivers around you, even when you have the right of way. For instance, if you see a pickup truck sitting at a crosswalk, it can help to make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of the truck, just to make sure they actually see you.
Avoid distractions
Finally, although many people do listen to music while they run, it is usually best to leave your headphones at home. They make it harder to hear the traffic around you, and they can distract you, which could increase your odds of being involved in an accident.
Seeking financial compensation
Even if you do everything you can to stay safe, negligent drivers could still cause accidents and injuries. You may deserve compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and more.