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Joggers Beware: Staying Safe While Pounding Concrete
Running is right up there with the most basic yet effective workouts. It’s something that everyone can do to stay fit and healthy. All you need is a decent pair of running shoes and a head on a swivel. The latter point is about staying safe while out on the run. These days runners take a host of technologies with them. Earphones, smartphones and even smartwatches are just some of the things we take with us while we go for a run. But what about the dangers that we don’t see? If you live in an urban area, you need to be extra careful with a number of things. On the other hand, if you live in the countryside you should be mindful of specific dangers that lurk in your part of the country. Here’s how you can stay safe while out pounding the concrete.
Forewarning helps
Letting drivers know you’re there way ahead of time is going to help you stay out of trouble. Buy some high-visibility strips to place onto your shoes. Place the strips at the back and front of your trainers. One near the Achilles heel and one on the face of the shoe. This way drivers coming from the rear and ahead of you can be alerted to human movement in the dark if you’re running early in the morning or in the evening. High visibility isn’t the only way to alert drivers but neon-coloured clothing. For example, bright neon lime sportswear will stick out like a sore thumb even in low light conditions. Wearing bright red or bright blue tops and hoodies will also catch the attention of drivers.
Crossing streets
When you’re running and you come up to a junction whereby you must cross the street, it’s tempting to use your momentum to cross quickly. However, it’s in your best interest to come to a gradual stop before the street and look both ways. If you don’t want to go from hot to cold to hot again, i.e. you want to keep moving your limbs in the rhythm you have developed, then standing running is your best option. Even if you do look both ways and begin to cross a driver could still hit you. Which is why speaking to a Personal Injury Attorney is one of your best options. They will build a case for the pedestrian and see why the driver was not adhering to any laws that allow citizens the right of way such as on traffic light crossings.
Looking down
Good running posture demands that your head is upright and straight. However, this can make us focus on what’s ahead all the time. Dips and holes in the pavement and or street can cause damage to your knees and ankles. Therefore remember to look down at the pavement every now and then as you’re jogging.
Wear as much bright clothing as you can if you’re running during dusk or dawn. Allow drivers to see where you are ahead of time before they pass you.
