Running or walking outside is a lot of fun. However, there are some things you need to consider before braving the streets. I’ve asked some of the experts to weigh in on what they feel are the most important things to consider before leaving the house. Here are their tips! Have one to share? Please leave it in the comments section below!
Have a buddy. The hands down best way to be safe on a run is to run with a friend. Two people are harder to attack than one, just like four eyes are better than two. If you don’t have a friend available for your run, bring your dog. More alert to danger, your canine can sense it before you do. Of course, your running buddy needs to be bigger than a microwave and capable of helping defend you. Carry an ID. While this may seem simple, most people forget to grab a form of identification because they aren’t bringing along their entire wallet. You can even write your name and phone number inside your shoe, or use a small luggage tag strung through your laces.
Don’t wear headphones. This, too, may seem simple. If music is what you’re paying attention to while sweating out a tough day, you’re less likely to hear an approaching attacker, bicyclist or car. The tunes distract and slow your reaction time, both of which can spell trouble. Carry a phone. Most phones have straps or cases that wrap around your arm, and some are slim enough to slide into a shorts pocket. Many people use their phones to track their distance and time, but should stick to using it for these purposes only.
Vary your route. Pretend you have a crazy ex. They know exactly where to find you, especially if you announce on Facebook or Twitter that you’re heading out, and aren’t afraid to show up. Stalkers and attackers work the same way. They stake out routes, and on familiar ones, we tend to space out. Dealing with new terrain helps keep us alert and more aware of our surroundings, which makes us less of a target. Run against traffic. Seeing oncoming traffic makes you much less likely to be hit by a vehicle. Gear up. Purchase and use reflector tape, vests or shirts. Even the blinking lights usually associated with cyclists work, and stay off the roads altogether when it’s dark out.
Meredith O’Brien, MS
Street Safety Shakedown by Regina Rowley
Yea for you! You are getting out of the four walls and enjoying the invigorating outdoors! Ah, birds are singing their melodies and a gentle breeze is rustling the tree leaves. Mental and physical therapy. Enjoy!
Whether you are out for your run or taking a walk around the neighborhood, street safety should always be a priority. Let’s take a moment for the street safety shakedown.
Peek A Boo! Choose reflective, light or neon colored clothing. Be sure motorist can See YOU!
Throw me a Lifeline: Take your ID and a cellphone or at least write your name, blood type and an ER phone number inside your shoe.
Hear No Evil! Plugging your ears eliminates one of your five senses. You can’t hear a potential attacker come up behind you and it also slows your reaction time.
Swim Upstream! Walk/run against traffic so you can see the motorists coming toward you.
Detour Ahead: Altering your route from day to day and week to week makes it difficult for a potential stalker to know which route you will be taking. Do make sure family/friend know your routes and which one you plan for the day.
Stay Tuned! We would do well to remember to remain engaged instead of zoning out. Continually aware of changes in our environment so we are ready to adjust our route/path to mitigate risks.
Twos Company: As often as possible, time your runs and walks so someone else can join you. There is a level of safety in numbers.
For more information about being smart and savvy about safety visit me at www.ReginaRowley.com/blog
Perhaps the most important thing is to wear bright colors so as to be easily seen by drivers. If going out in twilight or after dark, which is easy to do during the short days of winter, a vest with reflective material is crucial.
Consider asking your local government to put in sidewalks. It might take a while to get them built, but the whole neighborhood will find it safer to walk once sidewalks are in place.
John Z Wetmore [email protected]
Producer of “Perils For Pedestrians” Television www.pedestrians.org
1) Wear bright colored clothes.
2) Use reflectors and flashlights at night.
3) Walk toward traffic so you can see what’s coming.
4) Never assume drivers see or are paying attention to you, so always be prepared. When cars approach, quit listening to your music and pay attention! If you walk on highly trafficked or otherwise dangerous areas, don’t listen to music so you can concentrate on your environment
5) Carry pepper spray.
6) Be smart.
Barbara Bergin, M.D. Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Austin, Texas blog: www.drbarbarabergin.com. website: www.barbaraberginmd.com
