Whenever you run near traffic, even during a simple jog to get your daily exercise, there is a chance that you could be injured in an accident caused by a negligent driver. It is one of the risks of running on or near the road, and pedestrian accidents happen every year.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce this risk and help yourself stay safe. This does not guarantee that you will not be involved in an accident, but it is important to keep in mind.
What you can do to improve your own safety
Although every running environment is a bit different, these eight tips can help the majority of the time:
- Run so that you are facing traffic and can see the cars coming toward you, rather than moving with traffic.
- Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when possible.
- Focus on visibility when it comes to choosing your clothing, selecting bright colors over darker colors.
- If you are going to be running at night, consider headlights, ankle lights, reflective material or an LED vest.
- Avoid distractions, like listening to music or using your phone.
- Always follow the rules of the road and avoid jaywalking.
- If you are crossing in front of a stopped vehicle, try to make eye contact with the driver.
- Beware of the glare of the sun during sunset or sunrise, which can make you invisible to drivers.
If you keep these tips in mind, you lower the odds of an accident, but there is always a chance that the driver could make a negligent mistake. If you suffer serious injuries, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.