How do you stay safe while running outdoors in the KC area? Here are some tips.
Running outdoors can be a healthy activity, but it can also be dangerous when runners mix with traffic on the roads.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 7,450 pedestrians were killed in traffic and non-traffic incidents in 2017. An estimated 193,866 other pedestrians were sent to emergency rooms.
The National Transportation Safety Board found in a special investigation report into pedestrian safety last year that while the number of pedestrians killed on the roadways exhibited a decreasing trend for 35 years, the number of deaths has been increasing since 2010. The pedestrian crashes have also become deadlier.
There are steps that pedestrians — and runners — can take to staying safe on the road.
The University of Missouri Health Care posted to its website several tips for pedestrians, including increasing visibility by wearing reflective or bright clothing.
Using sidewalks or trails when available also helps. If there are none, run or walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic, never with traffic at your back.
In its tips for runners, the Road Runners Club of America says that by facing on-coming traffic, you can react to approaching vehicles more quickly.
The organization also advises runners to look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Also, everyone should obey traffic signals.
Runner’s World says not to assume drivers see you when you are running and suggests steering clear of potential problem areas like parking lot entrances, bars, restaurants and other areas where there may be heavy traffic.
Other tips include letting people know when you’re headed out for a run and carrying identification.
