For those who run in the city or even in rural areas on the side of the road, cars are one of the biggest injury threats that they face. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are as a runner or how good of shape you’re in. If you get involved in an accident with a motor vehicle, the odds are very high that you are the one who will be seriously injured.
Fortunately, there are many steps for you to take to stay safe if you do have to run around traffic. Here are a few examples.
Don’t wear your headphones
This is the type of advice that a lot of runners may not appreciate, as they enjoy listening to music to pass the time while they run. But the fact of the matter is that headphones can be a serious distraction and so you’re safer to leave them at home.
Run against traffic
In a situation where you’re running on the shoulder or the side of the road, just always make sure that you’re facing the cars. Running against traffic helps you see if a driver makes a mistake and drifts onto the shoulder.
Consider your visibility
When running during the day, you’re best off wearing bright colors or a white T-shirt so that you stand out. The more visible you are, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident. If you’re running at night, it’s wise to wear something that either has built-in LED lights or reflective tape that will catch a car‘s headlights.
What if you still get injured?
These tips can help you stay safe, but drivers can always make mistakes that lead to severe injuries. Be sure you know how to seek financial compensation if this happens to you.