Although running is a relatively safe sport free from many of the risks associated with contact activities such as hockey or football, running alone can pose a multitude of dangers to a runner. Injury, accidents, and tragedies can occur even to the most vigilant of individuals. Stay safe by following the important guidelines listed below.
Use the Buddy System:
Running with others is always safer than running alone. If planning to run in a desolate area, at
night, or on trails, consider bringing someone along. Not only will having a running partner ward
off potential predators, but can also be lifesaving in case of an accident or
injury.
Let Someone Know
Where You are Going:
If running with someone is not enjoyable or feasible, always let someone know
where you are running and when you plan to be finished. If possible, be specific about route or trail
you intend to tackle. Should something
occur, your whereabouts will be easier to track, which could be potentially
lifesaving. Just be sure to stick to
your plan and not turn a 10k run into a 30k!
Carry Identification:
Every year, even the healthiest of runners suffer from allergic reactions,
unknown heart conditions, and collisions with motorists while out for a
run. Help improve your chances of
surviving by carrying a form of identification.
Many products are available, such as a RoadID,
which help emergency workers quickly identify your name, emergency contact
information, and whether you suffer from any health conditions or
allergies.
Avoid Wearing
Headphones:
Although running with music or podcasts can make the run go by faster, avoid
doing so unless on a treadmill.
Headphones can distract a runner and mask important noises, such as
traffic or someone coming up behind you.
Many tragedies that have occurred to runners have happened because of
incomplete awareness of their surroundings.
Run Against Traffic:
When running on the roads, always run against traffic. Exceptions to this rule are only when running
on hills or rounding a blind turn. In
general, running against traffic helps driver and runner be better aware of one
another, and allows the runner to move off the road in case of driver
distraction.
Wear Reflective Gear:
If planning to run early in the morning or in the evening, wear some form of
reflective clothing or blinking LED light.
Poor runner visibility has led to many accidents on the roads that could
have otherwise been avoided.
Use Caution When Turning Around:
When running on a bike path always use caution when turning around to return in the direction from which you came. Most trails are multiuse, and collisions with bikers, runners, walkers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, or other pedestrians can occur. Just recently, a cyclist and runner were involved in a serious collision that led to head trauma for the cyclist because a runner haphazardly turned around in the front of the biker. To be safe, slow down to a walk, look over your shoulder, and only make the turn when certain no one’s path will be impeded.
In addition to all of our running inspired articles we also have an excellent eBook (PDF) format for download available. Here is the link to our running eBook that is chock full of helpful running information for beginners. Enjoy!