Staying Visible While Running
Running is one of the healthiest forms of exercise, and one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. While the ideal setting for a run is on a designated pedestrian path, it’s not always possible to avoid vehicles. If motorists frequently interrupt your runs, here are some top ways to stay visible and ensure everyone on the road sees you.
Wear Florescent and Reflective Clothing
It’s usually not a great idea to dress all in black if you’re running in a busy area. In the daytime, florescent clothing is the easiest to see. Bright yellows, green, and pink are all very eye-catching and will help motorists tell you apart from pedestrians on the sidewalk. When you’re running at night, reflective clothing is much more important. This allows you to stand out against a car’s headlights.
If You’re Running in the Road, Run Against Traffic
While it’s always safer to run on the curb or sidewalk, sidewalks weren’t really built for running. From cracks to loose or missing bricks, it can be just as dangerous to your health to run on the sidewalk. If you are running directly on the street, be sure to run against traffic. This will give you a couple of seconds to dive out of the way if a reckless driver approaches.
Be Wary of Intersections
It’s always a good idea to proceed through an intersection with caution, even if you have a green light. You’re significantly smaller than a car, so it’s always safer to err on the side of caution. If possible, try to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
Always Carry a Flashlight
If you’re running at night, you should usually bring a flashlight to ensure you see the surface you’re running on. Cracked and uneven sidewalks are actually the top cause of injury among pedestrians, not motorists, so you’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting hurt if you cannot see in front of you. If you’d prefer running hands free, opt for a headlamp.
Avoid Rush Hour
If at all possible, avoid running between the hours of 8-9 AM or 4-6 PM. These are the most congested times to be on the road in major cities, meaning you’ll have way more motorists to avoid. If you’re running in the summer, one of the best times to get outside is in the early morning before temperatures get too hot.
Run in a Group!
Two runners are always more visible than one. When you run with a friend, you have more benefits than just added visibility. Studies have shown that people with exercise partners are more likely to workout harder and longer than they would on their own, and they’re more likely to stick to an exercise routine. Getting up for a run at 5 AM doesn’t feel as bad when you have a friend coming with you!
This article was provided by www.personalinjury-law.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. Be sure to review your local ordinances to ensure you run safe and legally.
