You’re a runner. It’s a pastime, an outlet, a stress-reliever, a hobby. It’s your particular way of life and that deserves to be celebrated, protected. Running is a great way to stay in shape and clear your mind, but these things cannot be done if you’re running safely. The open road can be a dangerous place, you want to make you’re doing everything you can to stay safe.
It’s important to be aware of the safety precautions you can take to avoid being injured. No one wants to end up in the ER with a twisted ankle or worse. There are a few things you can implement into your running routine to avoid potential accidents.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Stay alert; always be aware of who or what is around you when you’re running. This means being cautious when crossing the street and avoiding busy areas with a lot of traffic. If there’s something or someone that makes you feel unsafe, it’s best to find another time or route to run.
Bring a Friend
Running with someone else can be a great way to stay safe. Not only will you have someone there to talk to and keep you company, but they can also help lookout for potential danger. If something does happen, having someone there to help is invaluable.
They can call for help if you get hurt, or get you someplace safe until help can be found. The worst thing about an emergency is being alone in one. You want to avoid this as much as you can.
Stay Visible
Make sure drivers can see you when running at night by wearing reflective clothing or accessories. This will make you more visible in low-light situations and could potentially save your life.
There are several types of reflective clothing that you can purchase. Things like jackets, vests, headbands, and wristbands are all great options. You can also purchase reflective tape to put on your clothing or shoes.
Be Mindful of the Weather
Pay attention to the weather conditions before heading out for a run. If it’s raining or snowing, consider staying inside. The same goes for extreme heat or cold. You don’t want to be running in bad weather and end up getting sick or suffering a sprain or fall.
Be Mindful of Your Pace
Especially when running in unfamiliar areas, it’s important to be aware of the pace you’re keeping. If you’re going too fast for the area you’re in, you might miss something dangerous or important. On the flip side, if you’re moving too slow drivers may become impatient and honk their horns. Keep your running route on roads that have sidewalks or shoulders. If you prefer open streets, stick to backroads and less populated areas.
Find a happy medium where you can get your exercise while being courteous to those around you.
Be Mindful of Traffic Laws
When running near traffic, make sure you’re following the law. This means crossing streets in designated areas and using sidewalks when available. Keep an eye out for cars and other obstacles, don’t assume that drivers can see you. Even if they’re in your line of sight, there may be barriers or blind spots that keep them from spotting you.
If there’s a crosswalk nearby, use it. Avoid running across busy streets or intersections. Watch for traffic lights and stop signs.
Watch Out for Potholes & Obstacles
Keep your eyes open for any obstacles that might get in the way of your run. This means avoiding potholes, cracks in the pavement, and other debris. If you’re running on trails or through a park, be aware of tree roots, rocks, and other hidden hazards.
Worst Case Scenario
If you are involved in an accident, seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should file a police report with your local department as well. If you want to pursue legal action, contact a personal injury attorney. Firms like Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will help you file a claim, negotiate a settlement, and represent you in court if necessary.
They’ll do all of the legwork like contacting the people involved and gathering the necessary evidence to prove your case.
Stay Hydrated
It’s also important to stay hydrated when running. Bring along a water bottle and make stop frequently for a drink while you work out. Running is a great way to get in shape and enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to do so safely. Your health is the priority.
Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. This could be your spouse, friend, neighbor, or family member. You don’t have to tell them every time you go for a run but just in case something does happen they’ll know where to look for you and what route you planned on taking.
Bring Your Phone
You want to be reachable. Carry your phone with you when running. This way if something does happen, someone can get in touch with you or call for help.
You don’t want to leave your mobile device at home because that could mean being out of reach and alone if an emergency occurs.
These are just some general safety tips to keep in mind when running. Following these guidelines can help you stay safe while getting your daily exercise.