No, you’re not the small, fleet-footed bird from the southwestern United States, but you are a road runner. All year round, you avoid the treadmill and get out on the street. It keeps you in great shape and you just find outdoor running to be more inspiring and challenging.
One of the challenges you face, though, is that you have to share the road with motor vehicles. Whether you’re running on the sidewalk and crossing driveways and cross streets or running on the shoulder when there isn’t a sidewalk, cars will cross your path. How can you keep from getting hit?
Safety tips for joggers
Nothing guarantees you won’t get injured in an accident, but these tips may help:
- Even when you have the right-of-way, look before you cross a street.
- Do not use headphones or earbuds to listen to music, as it makes you far less aware of what’s happening.
- Become familiar with your route and use the streets you know.
- Keep your phone with you. It’s extra weight, but it could save your life in an emergency.
- Wear clothes that promote visibility, such as bright colors and reflective materials.
- If you run in the dark, consider a hi-vis vest or even a vest with flashing LEDs.
- Stay on well-lit roads when you can. Try to find a balance between lower traffic levels and high degrees of visibility.
Even with these tips, accidents happen. Getting struck by a car can leave you with permanent injuries, so you must know about all of the legal options you have to recover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and more. Talking with an experienced attorney before you talk to the insurance company is wise.