8 Safety Tips for Runners

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I received such a great response to my post So You Want to be a Runner- 8 Tips for Beginners, I have decided to do a series of posts on the topic of running. Every few weeks or so, I will write about a topic related to my favorite sport. Today, lets talk safety.

According to Women’s Running website

• 34 % feel afraid of running alone.
• 33 %say they will switch to indoor activities.
• 34 % of those take some added precautions such as a wearable safety item that contacts help when activated or deterrent, such as pepper spray.
• The number of pedestrians killed — 6,283, an increase of 3.4 percent from the previous year — was the highest such number since 1990. 

I don’t know about you, but I have enough to worry about on a day to day basis. I want and should be able to lace up my running shoes and head out the door without worrying about a distracted driver hitting me or being assaulted. I refuse to cave into fear and not live my life, nor should you. Here are eight safety tips for runners(or walkers and cyclists for that matter).

Do not run in the dark.

If this is the only time your schedules permits, run with a friend. Use the buddy system and make sure you are wearing proper reflective gear .

Do not run with earbuds.

I need to be listening to something while running. I always have either a podcast or an audiobook on while out for my run. Instead of earbuds, I wear AfterShokz. AfterShokz are wireless bone conduction headphones that sit outside your ear. I can hear my podcast and everything that is going on around me. The sound quality is excellent, and they fit comfortably around my head.

Alter your routes.

Do not run the same route every day. I have 5-6 different routes I rotate throughout the month.

Do not post your route on social media.

Runners love to post their runs, whether it be on social media or onan app like Strava or RunKeeper. However, you don’t know who can see that route, so play it safe, don’t publish it. There are ways to leave it out of your post. Check your privacy features on your apps for more information.

Carry your phone.

Always have your phone on hand in case you need to call for help. Also, you can be found by the GPS on your phone, so god forbid you are hurt or taken, it may become a useful tool in finding you.

Carry identification.

Instead of carrying my license, I wear a Road ID band. It is a stretchy silicone bracelet that slides over your hand. It includes your personal information, your emergency contact information, and any medical issues you may have. I make sure to wear mine each time I go out for a run.

Carry pepper spray or mace.

Though not legal in all states, if it is, it is a good option. I carried it for some time, but after spraying a groundhog thinking he was an evil person lurking in the bushes, my husband bought me the Wearsafe Tag. The Wearsafe Tag is a modern-day panic button. You press a button, and it sends an alert to your emergency contacts. It includes your GPS coordinates and audio of what is happening around you. I love it.

Be seen.

There are many distracted drivers out there. People zone out when driving. It is vital that people see you. Wear reflective and bright clothing, run against traffic, obey all traffic laws, and run on sidewalks if all possible. Also, appear assertive. Look people in the eye when passing by — those who seem confident and assertive are less likely to be bothered.

I hope these tips are helpful and give you the tools you need to go out and exercise safely and in peace.

Be safe and happy Running!