If you are a runner and you live in an urban area, or even a rural area with high-traffic roads, it is very natural for you to worry about that traffic. And you should. As a runner, you are in far more dangerous than anyone in a vehicle if you’re involved in a wreck. Runners are injured and even killed every year.
Thankfully, there are a lot of things that you can do to stay safe around cars. Here are some tips that may help the next time you go for a run.
1. Pretend you’re invisible
First of all, runners often complain that drivers simply don’t see them. This is frustrating, but it is also worth noting that it’s a very accurate complaint. Drivers often overlook runners. If you pretend the drivers haven’t seen you, even when they should have, then you can avoid dangerous situations like crossing the road in front of a driver who doesn’t know you’re there.
2. Don’t listen to music
Another tip that can help is to become more aware of your surroundings. You can do this by running without headphones and without music. Although many runners like to listen to music while they run, it is a distraction, and it reduces your ability to hear road noise.
3. Focus on visibility
Finally, you just want to focus on being visible in any way that you can. Wear high-visibility clothing, reflective tape and bright colors even during the day. Wear LED lights or headlamps during the night.
That being said, it is still not your fault if a driver makes a mistake and hits you, whether you use these tips or not. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
