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| Running Safely |
Carry identification. Include any medical information. Don't wear
jewelry.
Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your
favorite running routes. If you need an ID try RoadID.
Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of call
boxes and telephones along your regular route.
Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. The best
way to prevent an untimely meeting with cars is to be able to see them. Don't challenge
cars to a race. If you and a car are both approaching an intersection, stop and let the
car go first. It's faster then you. Beware of stopped cars waiting to make a right turn.
Stop and wait until they make the turn, or run behind them.
Wear reflective material if you must run in the dark. Make yourself
visible. Wear light-colored clothing made with reflective material or trim. Consider a
reflective vest or a blinking light.
Alter or vary your running route. Run in familiar areas if possible.
Avoid unlit, unpopulated areas. Run clear of parked cars or bushes. In unfamiliar areas,
such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Use one of the online
route sites.
MapMyRun
USAFT's MapIt Page
GMaps's Pedometer
Don't wear headsets. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings.
Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense: your hearing. Save the music for
the treadmill. Enjoy conversation with others. We know that nobody likes to hear
this, but just look around the Internet and you'll see this on nearly everybody's safety
list.
Run with a partner. Run with a dog. Running in a group may be the easiest
way to avoid problems, and it's fun. If you must run alone, a treadmill at home or at a
health club is a much safer option. A local track also offers some protection, but not if
you're running alone and after dark.
Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you and trust your
intuition. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are. React on your intuition
and avoid a person or situation if you're unsure. If something tells you a situation is
not "right", it isn't. Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging
strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep
moving. Don't stop to give directions to strangers in cars if you are running alone.
Carry water. If there are no water fountains along your route, carry
water.
Carry a noisemaker and/or OC (pepper) spray. Get training in self-defense
and the use of pepper spray.
Call police immediately if something happens to you or someone else, or
you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.
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