Last Sunday I was doing a 12 mile
run. I often run on a 2 1/2 or 3 mile loop of wide road divided by a green
belt. During my run I passed 16 people going in the opposite direction that I
was going. These were people of all ages. Some were walking, some running, and
one was even pushing a stroller. They were going WITH traffic and had NO IDEA
if there were cars driving up on them from behind and NO IDEA if they were in
any sort of danger.
I had a friend of a friend lose
her life a couple of weeks ago while running on the road (in another city). She
was running WITH traffic, with her back to it. And she was dressed in dark
clothing. Please don't let this be you. If you're running in a bike lane or on
the street then you need to run AGAINST (facing) traffic. You have a better
chance of avoiding danger. If it's twilight or dark out then wear appropriate
clothing - light colored and reflective. And wear LED-type lights. If you’re in
the bike lane be considerate of cyclists – don’t force THEM into the roadway.
And while you're at it, make sure you carry a cell phone and let someone know
where you're going and when you'll be back.
There is one precaution you do
need to take when running against traffic. Be extra aware of drivers coming
from a side street on your left. They may not be watching for you, will often
be looking to their left and may not check to their right, which is the
direction you’re coming from.
Walking against traffic when
there’s no sidewalk used to be taught in elementary school. I don’t think this
is part of the “curriculum” anymore. Teach your kids if you have them. Teach
your grandkids if you have them.
As Coach Diane Buchta says, run
facing traffic so at least you get the license plate of the person that hit
you! Be safe out there!
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