Safe Running Habits

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 single file when running in a group - particularly 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 a seasoned or novice runner, here are some technical and common-sense information to help you run safely.

Credits:

Run The Planet thanks the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club (www.hmrrc.com) for the permission to reprint these tips. All of the above information is available in printed brochures. Should anyone be interested in bulk purchases of the brochure, we suggest to visit the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club website and contact directly the safety chairperson Harry Hennessy. Illustration copyright © 2002 by Run The Planet.