- Don’t run while distracted. When running outside, it is best to be aware of your surroundings in order to prevent accidents and injuries. Wearing headphones can drown out the sounds of an oncoming car that may be out of view, or an approaching person or animal.
- Follow the rules of the road. If you are running on the street and there is no sidewalk, always run against traffic so you can spot oncoming cars. Remember to look both ways before crossing the street, even in crosswalks, and when you have the right of way. When you are crossing the street in front of a vehicle, make sure the driver sees you before proceeding.
- Wear bright colors if running at night. Whenever possible, you should avoid running in the dark (before dawn or at night). If you must run at these times, take the proper precautions by wearing bright or reflective clothing to improve your visibility to drivers.
- Inform someone of your route. If you are injured, or worse, while on your run, having someone who already knows your route and whereabouts could be extremely helpful. Always bring a cellphone with you while running in case of emergency. A simple scan through the app store can provide a bunch of resources for runners to be tracked by a friend or relative while they are out. It is a good practice to switch up your route and to keep note of businesses that are open along the route in case of emergency.
- Carry Identification. In the unfortunate situation that something happens to you while running, it is important to always carry identification. You should include any medical information, such as medications you are taking or are allergic to, your blood type, and your emergency contact. A helpful tip is to write this information on the sole of your shoe. In addition to these tips, you should always avoid unlit trails and secluded areas. It is also best to avoid running near parked cars and to trust your intuition about people and places that don’t feel “right.” The best thing you can do is remove yourself from situations that could potentially put you in harm.
If you’ve already been injured, contact a Long Island pedestrian accident attorney at The Odierno Law Firm, P.C. for help.
Lee J. Odierno is the managing partner of Odienero Law’s no-fault department. Find out more about Lee on his profile page, or visit any of his social media profiles below:
