More and more South Africans grasp the importance of physical fitness as part of a healthy lifestyle. The beautiful environment allows for much outdoor enjoyment while running – but also presents some unique dangers. The runners share the road with other road users and unfortunately this can be of risk to the careless runner.
On the Arrive Alive website we have added a section titled “Running and Road Safety”. We would like to quote from a part of this section:
Safety during the run
• Always stay alert and aware of what’s going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
• Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you. Know where the nearest public sites are with some general activity – there is usually safety in numbers.
• When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Run clear of parked cars, bushes, dark areas.
• Be extra vigilant at junctions with alleyways where traffic may emerge.
• Run across the street at crosswalks and always pay attention to traffic lights.
• Drivers have a bad habit of not looking for pedestrians. Be sure to make eye contact before crossing in front of a car.
• Never assume you have been seen!
• Be considerate of other road/ pavement users – do not force pedestrians into the road – do not step off the pavement without checking behind – cyclists do not make a noise!
• Be aware of other hazards such as forces of nature, animals etc.
• Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Ignore verbal harassment.
• Do not approach a car to give directions, or the time of day. Point toward the nearest police or information source, shrug your shoulders, but keep moving. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
View the Arrive Alive website for more info on “Running and Road Safety”
[ Photo of runners from Pentagon Pistols, a Bloemfontein Running Club]