Running Safely is up to YOU as the Runner – Your Life could depend upon it!!

Before your Run:

• Try to get a running partner.
• Leave word with someone or write down where you plan to run and when you will return.
• Avoid unpopular areas, deserted streets, lonely trails – and especially avoid unlit routes at night.
• Vary the route and the time of day that you run. Run in familiar areas.
• Be aware of emergency phones and how they work, and note the location of neighbors you trust along your route.
• Carry some I. D. and change for a phone call. Wear a RoadID on your shoe wrist, ankle ID – Have it on you!
• Always stay alert. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
• When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Run clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas.
• Run against traffic so that you can observe the approach of automobiles.
• If the same car cruises past you more than once, take down even a partial license number and make it obvious that you are aware of its presence (but keep your distance).

If Confronted

• Run toward populated areas, busy streets, and open businesses.
• Ignore jeers and verbal harassment. Keep moving.
• Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Be friendly, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Do not approach a car to give directions or the time of day. Point toward the nearest police or information source, shrug your shoulders, but keep moving. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
• Do not panic. Do not run toward a more isolated area.

General Running Safety

• Run on sidewalks where available as required by law.
• Run on the left side of the road facing traffic. You will be in a better position to anticipate and react to vehicles.
• Run on roads with wide shoulders.
• Be cautious on blind curves where you will not be visible to approaching cars. Be aware of factors that affect motorist visibility – glaring sun, rain, snow, fog.
• Run in a single file when running in a group, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Anticipate potentially dangerous situations and be ready to deal with them. Always make the first move to protect yourself. Do not expect cars to alter their paths to avoid you.
• Yield the right-of-way to vehicles at intersections. Drivers may not heed traffic signals or signs.
• Obey traffic rules and signals. Runners, as pedestrians, are bound by traffic laws.
• Be alert at all times. Be wary of “runner’s high,” fatigue, or any lapse of concentration.
• Avoid running alone in isolated areas – vary your route.
• Use your ears as well as your eyes – don’t wear headphones.
• Wear reflective clothing at dawn, dusk, or nighttime and bright, visible clothing at all other times.
• Safety on the run – Are you a safety-minded runner? Do you take responsibility for your own safety and well-being? Do you run defensively? Whether you are a seasoned or novice runner, here are some technical and common-sense tips to help you run safely.
• Wear a Blinking clip on light.  Facing Front and/or Back.