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By Harriette Halepis

Hundreds of runners are hit by cars every single day. There are many reasons why this happens, but most of the time these accidents can be avoided. It’s easy to “space-out” during a run, forget where you are, and take up the entire street. This behaviour is not only frustrating to those drivers that are trying to get around or avoid you, but it is also a recipe for serious disaster. If you aren’t too sure of those street running safety rules, then you may want to read this article very closely.

First of all, never go for a run without telling someone where you are going to be. If you can, try and find a running partner. If you can’t find a running partner, make sure that you have some kind of I.D. on you just in case you wind up unconscious. It is also a good idea to carry some change on you (or a cell phone) in case you need to make a phone call. Another great idea is to carry a GPS trackerwith you at all times. This way, authorities can find you if you happen to disappear from your usual route. Next, let’s talk about iPods, radios, CD players, and anything else that will distract you.

It is important to be aware of your running environment. This is nearly impossible to do if you cannot hear everything that’s around you. If you are listening to music and not paying attention, it is easy to forget about your location. This is especially dangerous if you run on crowded city streets – you need to be able to hear oncoming cars, horns, people shouting, and anything else that might be of importance. Yes; this means that you won’t be able to listen to your favourite running list, but hearing what’s around you could save your life. If you must listen to music (that Rocky theme can be inspiring), then make sure that it is low enough, so that you can still hear outside noises.

It is also wise to stay away from any alleys, parked cars, or large areas that are full of bushes. If you hear any jeers during a run, just keep running. Most of the time these comments are harmless, but you don’t want to end up in any kind of confrontation during a run. Also, make it a point to run in highly populated areas that you are familiar with. If you happen to run in a neighbourhood that you don’t know too well, you might end up lost or in a bad part of town. Running is a great way to enjoy the fresh air, get into shape, and clear your mind – just make sure to play on the side of caution during any kind of run.