Running in the Street {Safely}

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Did you know that the road is actually softer than the sidewalk?  Crazily enough, it’s true.  If you suffer from running-related joint pain, you can find some relief from running on the shoulder of the road (running in the grass is even better… or just take a break… you know what I mean!).  Of course, if your neighborhood sidewalk-less like mine, you end up running in the road regardless.

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One of the things that I like most about running is how I can just zone out.  But it’s not safe to completely check out while running in the street, especially when you’re wearing headphones.  Here are some tips on avoiding a collision with a car.

 

First things first:  you want to run against traffic.  That way, you can quickly react and step aside if a car is coming your way.  However, when you’re running up (or down) a hill or around a curve, you want to be aware of the drivers’ line of sight.  For example: 

 

If you’re running against traffic on the left side of the road, and the road is curving towards the left, cars in your lane will not see you as they approach the curve.  (This is one reason to run with the music turned down – you should be able to hear traffic noises over your tunes.)

running hills

Similarly, hills create blind spots.  As you run up a hill, you won’t be able to see a car approaching on the other side of the hill and they won’t be able to see you. 

 

So, say you are running up a hill that curves to the left.  If you stay on the left side, you are blind to cars approaching you.  The best thing to do would be to run in the grass.  However, what if you can’t run on the grass?  Ideally, you would switch from the left side of the road to the right side as you approach the curve.  But remember – in this scenario, the curve is also a hill.   If you stayed on the right side after the top of the hill, cars approaching from behind you wouldn’t know you were there because you’d be in the hill blind spot.  It would be wisest, therefore, to switch back to the left side when safe.

 

Another tip:  Never, ever assume a driver has seen you unless they acknowledge you with a wave or eye contact and a head nod.  This is especially important at stop signs – drivers will often assume you are going to wait, and you’re assuming they are going to let you go! 

 

If you are running early in the morning or late at night, wear light and reflective clothing.  I’ve been doing a lot of nighttime runs and am thinking about buying a reflective vest just to make sure my bases are covered – I like this one from Athleta (who is now a national sponsor for Girls on the Run!).  I like how minimalist it is – no overheating!

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And last, but not least, always carry ID.  I admit – I am not great about this; I try to remember to pull on my RoadID bracelet, which has the Husband and my mother’s phone numbers on it.

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I once posted a guest post from Lindsay on why everyone should carry ID while exercising – here’s a quote from her horrifying story:

 

After her cycling accident, Lindsay was surprised to discover that the nurses and doctors would not treat her without proof of insurance.  None of her friends who accompanied her to the hospital knew this information, and although they managed to contact her mother via cell phone, her mom also didn’t have the information on hand.  Lindsay says, "I was completely shocked that I was not able to remember something as simple as my address. I was spouting off numbers from my previous addresses, but kept saying, “no, that’s not it,” as the nurses grew increasingly annoyed.  I had recently moved, so my friends were unaware of my new address."  As a result, Lindsay had to wait 20 minutes (in excruciating pain without any medication) before her insurance information was located.

 

Some interesting facts for nighttime running (source):

 

  • A driver will spot a headlamp or flashlight beam up to a 1/2 mile away.
  • A driver will spot a reflective vest or blinking light up to a 1/4 a mile away.
  • 150 yards away, a driver will spot brightly colored workout gear (yellowish green or bright orange are the mostly easily seen).
  • If you’re wearing a dark shirt and dark pants, a driver won’t see you at night until they are 30 to 40 feet away… and depending on fast they are driving and how quickly they react, that could be too late.

 

It’s important to not only pay attention, but also to assume that drivers aren’t.  It is possible to safely run in the road, but like I said – don’t completely zone out.  Be aware of blind spots, cresting hills, and tricky intersections.  Happy running!

 

Any car v. runner stories?   What are your road safety tips?

{ 70 comments }

 

  • Erin September 18, 2012, 8:46 am

    I run in the roads on Monday nights with my running club. There’s always at least one intersection where technically we have right of way but the cars don’t bother to look. Last night was especially bad because it was raining! Cars don’t even think to look for pedestrians in the rain.

  • Dana September 18, 2012, 8:54 am

    I would never remember to put on the RoadID bracelet, so I got the kind that attaches to your shoe. It’s so lightweight that I’ve never noticed it, but it’s permanently attached to my shoe so I never worry about forgetting it.

    Also, I’m shocked that Lindsey couldn’t get treatment without proof of insurance. What would the hospital have done if she didn’t have insurance? Say “Sorry!” and put her back on the curb? That’s really disturbing.

    • Caitlin September 18, 2012, 9:02 am

      Yeah isnt that nuts?

    • Vikki September 18, 2012, 9:55 am

      I am also disturbed by this. Treat first, ask questions later.

    • Mari September 18, 2012, 12:54 pm

      That’s actually against the law, at least in emergency departments. The ER has to treat all patients regardless of whether or not they have insurance.

    • Jazz September 18, 2012, 4:56 pm

      I’ve heard that shoes generally fly off and no one thinks to look there.. It’s somewhere on the runnersworld forums. Then again, it’s better than nothing!

  • Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale September 18, 2012, 8:56 am

    The closest I’ve ever been to being hit was by an ambulance (ironically!). Since then, I’ve been much more careful. It’s minimal, but my shoes are a bright yellow and my compression sleeves are neon pink. It helps me stand out for sure.
    Great tips though, and something I don’t always think about, but should really take more care for!

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat September 18, 2012, 9:02 am

    I prefer running on the road – there seem to be a ton of sidewalk obstacles in our neighborhood, from trashcans to people walking their dogs. Luckily I live near a big park with areas protected by guardrails, so it’s a road like surface without being in the traffic.

  • Sarah September 18, 2012, 9:06 am

    I’ve actually witnessed not only one but TWO instances of runners running directly into the side of a vehicle…not the driver’s fault at all. These runners were just completely zoned out, with headphones on, crossing the street. I think that headphones play a huge role in this – so many pedestrians nowadays are listening to their headphones and can’t hear what’s going on around them.

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed September 18, 2012, 9:07 am

    I hate running on a cresting hill! I always get nervous that some car is going to fly over it and never see me. I’m not sure how I feel about crossing the road twice when running on a hill though, seems like that could be even more unsafe…

  • Army Amy* September 18, 2012, 9:08 am

    I have a post in the works about this very topic! I recently moved (to Germany!) and my new neighborhood has no sidewalk and the road only has one lane. (Traffic is light, so there is no dividing line between the lanes and most cars drive in the middle-ish. They squeeze way over if there are two cars passing each other.) It has certainly made running interesting!

    My big thing since moving here has been running sans headphones. I just don’t think I could hear a car and/or react as necessary if I’m distracted by my music.*

  • Barbara September 18, 2012, 9:11 am

    I also always wear a blinking light when running in the early morning. Roadrunnersports.com has a nice selection of running vests (similar to the one you showed above) and lights for good prices!

  • AK September 18, 2012, 9:11 am

    I’m not sure where you googled your info for this post, but every bike law dictates you ride WITH traffic, not against. It’s highly dangerous to ride against traffic, as well as against the law.

    “Don’t ride against traffic. Ride with traffic, in the same direction.

    Riding against traffic may seem like a good idea because you can see the cars that are passing you, but it’s not. Here’s why:

    Cars which pull out of driveways, parking lots, and cross streets (ahead of you and to the left), which are making a right onto your street, aren’t expecting traffic to be coming at them from the wrong way. They won’t see you, and they’ll plow right into you.
    How the heck are you going to make a right turn?
    Cars will approach you at a much higher relative speed. If you’re going 15mph, then a car passing you from behind doing 35 approaches you at a speed of only 20 (35-15). But if you’re on the wrong side of the road, then the car approaches you at 50 (35+15), which is more than twice as fast! Since they’re approaching you faster, both you and the driver have lots less time to react. And if a collision does occur, it’s going to be at a faster relative speed.
    Riding the wrong way is against the law and you can get ticketed for it.”

    • Caitlin September 18, 2012, 9:20 am

      You are right! You should always bike with traffic and behave as if you are a car when cycling. Stopping at lights etc.

    • Sarah September 18, 2012, 12:12 pm

      Did you read the title or any part of this post before being critical?! It’s about RUNNING in the street. Not once did she mention bicycling. Maybe you need another cup of coffee this morning.

    • Mary September 18, 2012, 2:39 pm

      Runners should run against traffic. Cyclists with traffic.

  • Jen September 18, 2012, 9:15 am

    Thank you for posting this important information, Caitlin. My mom’s best friend was killed while running on the road six years ago. She did everything right, but the driver had been up all night fighting with his girlfriend and swerved for some reason and hit her. I still run on the road (much to my mother’s dismay) but take all of these precautions. I also run in a rural area (like my mom’s friend) but when I hear a car on the right (so heading in the same direction as me) I make sure to look and see that the driver notices me. If I don’t feel like they did, I will get off the road and wait for the car to pass. I’m a super slow runner anyway, but I’ve had to come to the realization that my time for the run is less important than staying safe!

    All that said, it’s because of my mom’s friend that I ever started running in the first place. Her friends and family started a 5K in her memory and I was determined to run the whole thing. Now I’m training for my second half marathon!

    • Caitlin September 18, 2012, 9:19 am

      That is so sad 🙁

  • AK September 18, 2012, 9:16 am

    Aaaand just realized you were talking about running, not biking. My bad!

  • Katie @ Peace Love & Oats September 18, 2012, 9:17 am

    Luckily I live right by the lakefront path in Chicago, but I’ve had to run on streets before and it’s definitely important to be very aware of cars! They usually don’t notice runners right away.

  • Susan September 18, 2012, 9:22 am

    Unfortunately, I knew two people killed after being struck by cars while running in separate incidents. Safety is so important…thanks for reminding everyone!

  • Lauren September 18, 2012, 9:29 am

    I stopped running with music a few years ago and although I am not suggesting everyone stop running with music but maybe with one ear bud out when on the road or in busy areas. I cycle as well and I always call out “on your left” or whatnot and often times runners can’t hear me or they hear something, get scared and move in the wrong direction.

  • Karen @ Runner Girl Eats September 18, 2012, 9:31 am

    As much as I looovvvee listening to music while I run, I try not to while running on the road. It is so hard to hear cars/other runners/bikers/etc. Also, I tend to zone out even more when I am jamming out that I can forget to look when I cross the street (I know, sooo dangerous/ditzy). If I’m having a day that absolutely requires music on my runs, I only use one ear bud. Also, I always somehow let someone know when/where I’m running just in case…

    • Sarah September 18, 2012, 12:11 pm

      Me too! I always use just one ear bud and tuck the other under the strap of my sports bra so it’s not flailing around. Then I can hear people/cars/dogs/creepers.

  • Lindsay September 18, 2012, 9:39 am

    I am sure many people will disagree with me, but I believe the #1 tip for running/biking/walking safely solo (whether it be on the road, sidewalk, trail, etc) is to not wear headphones. Having your eyes and ears open will allow you to be 100% focused on your safety and the dangers around you (cars, strangers, animals, etc) especially when you are on the road with speeding vehicles (with distracted drivers these days!) around you…

    • Katya September 18, 2012, 11:50 am

      I 100% agree with you, I think it’s so important to be fully aware when running (or doing any sport in the outdoors…biking, skiing, etc).

  • Natalie @ Free Range Human September 18, 2012, 9:39 am

    I think RoadID is such a great company. I actually got my dad one of these a few years ago. He runs everyday, and I like knowing that someone could get a hold of us if they needed to.

    Lindsay’s story is so horrific. That’s a perfect example of so many problems that need to be fixed in our healthcare system.

  • Sarah K. @ The Pajama Chef September 18, 2012, 9:44 am

    I don’t comment very often but I wanted to say THANK YOU for this post. I live near the intersection of two busy roads–one of which is a country type curvy road with no sidewalks, but unfortunately gets a lot of foot traffic because it is en route to a popular bike path. I always see people running/walking with traffic, and I want to pull over and correct them but it’s not safe to pull over there so I can’t. But I do always ‘educate’ friends I run with if need be! Thanks for this. 🙂 P.S. I love my RoadID!

  • Elizabeth September 18, 2012, 9:50 am

    I always wear by Road ID. ( Best company ever to buy from as well!). I have thankfully never had to use it. I run on my campus a lot (OSU) and so many cars don’t even watch for people walking or running. I always make sure to make eye contact with them before crossing the street even if I have the right away. I have seen multiple accidents on campus and that is something I hope never happens to me!! Great post!!

  • Aimee September 18, 2012, 9:51 am

    It’s rather unusual for a person not to be seen or treated in an emergency room without insurance. I work at an urban hospital and not only do we treat a very large population of patients who do not have insurance we admit them to our medical and psychiatric units. Generally while the patient is admitted a case manager will assist them in obtaining and filing the required paperwork to receive state health insurance. I’ve yet to hear of anyone who was turned away or untreated for failure to produce health insurance. At worst you would have to pay out of pocket. Great tips. I wear a road ID and think they would be great for other purposes like children when traveling.

  • Courtney September 18, 2012, 10:04 am

    I need to look into getting a road id- I always carry my drivers license out on long runs, esp early morning or at night. I usually forget when going for a short 2 miler though.

  • Laura September 18, 2012, 10:05 am

    I ordered a flashing collar for my dog to wear now that it’s getting darker at night for our evening run/walks. It has red lights and can either flash or be set to just be on. (on sale for $13 if anyone wants to order one: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19390&cmpid=01cseaz&ref=4144&subref=AA) I will feel much safer at night knowing people can see us! I also wear reflective gear when walking/running at night.

    I was hit by a car a few years ago cycling on a busy road without a bike lane. It was in the middle of the day so no visibility issues. I hated riding on that road but I had to ride on it to get to the bike trails. The person just didn’t feel like moving over a little or waiting until they could safely pass me and they just nicked me, I think with their side view mirror, and hit me on my wrist. I was actually wearing my safety ID bracelet at the time and they hit the metal plate and it made a loud noise and left me with a bruise on my wrist! Luckily, I didn’t get knocked off my bike and it shook me up really badly. The jerk who hit me never even stopped/slowed down, they just kept going. I can’t beleive anyone would do that.

  • Rebecca September 18, 2012, 10:15 am

    My dad has a RoadID bracelet, too, (or something like it) and one of the lines on his says he has hearing aids at home (he doesn’t wear them when he runs because of noise issues. He also doesn’t use music when he’s running outside, I don’t think.). It makes me feel a little better about him running so many miles and so far from home. He also wears a reflective vest if he’s running in the dark. I think my mom got it for him as a Christmas gift a few years ago… 🙂
    He also complains about sometimes seeing groups of runners on the side of the road–at one point (I’m not sure if they still do) there was a group of women that would run three or four next to each other *in* the road. He hated it, because it made him fear that they were going to get hit.
    If I pass people who are running/biking on the road where there is a sidewalk five feet away, I get cranky. But sometimes when I’m riding with my dad, we skip the sidewalk and bike on the street. There aren’t that many sidewalks in our neighborhood, but when there are sidewalks around I like to use them. I should ask him why sometime… But we always pay attention to if there are cars coming behind us!
    I used to walk to work in high school and I would take the main road with stoplights, and it’s amazing how many people turning (left or right) at lights forget about pedestrians! (I’ve been guilty of it a few times, too, actually.)

    • Laura September 18, 2012, 11:05 am

      You actually aren’t supposed to ride your bike on the sidewalk (unless you are a little kid), you are supposed to ride on the street as the sidewalk is then unsafe for walkers. When on a bike you are considered to be moving traffic and should be in the road. I believe it is against the law in some places to ride your bike on the sidewalk.

  • Amanda @ life in bloom September 18, 2012, 10:18 am

    Running on the road still scares the bejeezus out of me so I avoid main almost completely! One of these days when I start running longer distances I will have to face me fears 🙂

  • Laine September 18, 2012, 10:35 am

    When I was in my teens, and my friends and I would walk to town my parents always made me wear a reflective sash (picture a Miss America sash in bright orange!). At first it was humiliating and I used to hide it in the bushes when I got out of site, then I thought “what if I get hit by a car and I wasn’t wearing it, my parents would be crushed.” So I’d wear it, and then just kind of ball it up and hold it when we were hanging out with friends (or scoping out boys.)

    I have one now that I wear, too. Even at dusk. As a driver I really appreciate when people have them on, or carry a flashlight. You realize how little you can actually see people, even though they can see you.

    get that vest and wear it!!

  • Kris September 18, 2012, 10:46 am

    I don’t think runners always realize how invisible they can be to busy drivers, and also running in less than good visibility conditions. I know of one friend killed while running on the shoulder during a snowstorm at dusk. DH was hit by a car when we were first married because he ran in front of a big, parked delivery truck and of course the driver in the next lane over had no way of seeing him cross in front of the parked truck. Luckily, other than a cut on his hand and road rash, he wasn’t seriously hurt. I felt sorry for the driver though since after he hit, he rolled up on the hood and put his hand through the windshield. She was even nice enough to drive him back to his office at the Pentagon after that! I don’t run outside, but I bike and rollerblade, and I always assume drivers don’t see me.

  • liz September 18, 2012, 10:56 am

    I have actually been the driver on the situation. I was driving through a neighborhood going super slow cuz there was a girl running. As I inched around her she cut across he street quickly and collided with the side of my car. She had headphones on and didn’t hear me coming. Thankfully she was ok but honestly, the situation was completely traumatic for me because she could have gotten seriously hurt. The police ruled it was her negligence but I still felt awful. That experience has made me a super careful road runner!

  • Chantal September 18, 2012, 11:02 am

    It wasn’t really a “hit”, but I was running on the sidewalk and crossing a street when a lady in a minivan started turning right while looking left. I had to put my hands on the hood of the car and start running backwards until she finally noticed I was there. She got out and was very apologetic, even offering me a ride to wherever I was going. It took a bit of explaining to convince her that I was running and a ride would defeat the point.

    Lesson: when driving, look BOTH ways when turning right!

  • Colleen September 18, 2012, 11:15 am

    I don’t know where the heck Lindsay went for treatment–any hospital that accepts payment from Medicare (which is virtually all hospitals) cannot refuse emergency department treatment to anyone for any reason (it would violate EMTALA – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergency_Medical_Treatment_and_Active_Labor_Act). It is literally illegal to not treat someone for lack of insurance.

    -ED nurse

    • Caitlin September 18, 2012, 11:25 am

      Thank god! It should be!

      • Amber September 18, 2012, 3:52 pm

        yeah I came here just to say this! Lindsay needs to report that hospital for noncompliance with EMTALA if they are in the US.

    • Tracy September 19, 2012, 5:57 am

      Actually, EMTALA says that all patients arriving to the ED must be SCREENED, not treated. They must be treated if it is determined to be an emergency. Many EDs fast track patients coming in for non- emergent needs to urgent care facilities or their Primary Care Physicians (if they have one). This is a good thing because tons of people go to the ED in the middle of the day for minor things like ear infections, eyc, when clearly that is not the most appropriate venue. Many DO have a Primary Care Provider and just choose to not go there, which results in a huge cost for everyone.

      – RN Case Manager

      • Caitlin September 19, 2012, 7:23 am

        Interesting!!

  • Corrie Anne September 18, 2012, 11:23 am

    I feel safer on the road than on the crazy uneven sidewalks around here. I’ve been cut off by cars a LOT, but I’ve totally stopped wearing headphones while running. 🙁 I honestly don’t feel safe in the city with the people and with the traffic. Sometimes I play music on the speaker. I’m sure everyone loves that!

  • Danielle @ TwoLoveBirds September 18, 2012, 11:36 am

    We moved to a new city at the beginning of the year. Unlike where we used to live there are sidewalks everywhere! I love it because I don’t have to worry so much about drivers and what not. I have noticed that NO ONE else runs on the sidewalks. Everyone else runs along the shoulder, even when there isn’t a shoulder to really run on, and always on the wrong side of the road! Arg! I wish I could share your post with my entire city 🙂

  • Whitney September 18, 2012, 11:37 am

    I always run on sidewalks.. I run very early in the morning and I don’t feel safe running directly on the road. I’d rather worry about bustin’ tale on the sidewalk then getting hit by a car. On another note, why do passengers in cars feel it is necessary to yell out obscenities to a runner and scare them to death? Geez!

  • Natalie September 18, 2012, 11:49 am

    In late April I was running on an unfamiliar narrow and winding road that I shouldn’t have been running on in rural Virginia and was struck by a van going 55mph and lived to tell about it (my blog above tells all about it w/ pictures). Basically if I wouldn’t have been doing everything right, as your post and other readers have informed (running against traffic, being aware of traffic and not assuming the driver has seen me, taking out an earbud to hear traffic, I even stepped off the road into the grass/ditch before I was hit). So I hope everyone who reads your blog takes all of this to heart and really pays attention and takes necessary precaution for road-running. I had another close call while living in Savannah, GA– I had the “walk” signal at a light and as I approached the intersection a suburban blew right in front of me having ran its red light! So we should also remember to LOOK both ways as runners! It’s something we learn at such a young age but it probably was the most valuable lesson of my life on that day.

    I do have a RoadID now and to this day I am SO paranoid and jumpy when I run outside and even when I’m just walking on streets where cars are. I can’t help but feel like NO cars can see me.

    Safe running, everyone!

  • Lisa September 18, 2012, 11:59 am

    I always wear my Road ID when I bike or run alone. My boyfriend has one too and his says he’s deathly allergic to penicillin (which is a good thing to add to Road IDs for people with allergies).

  • Annette@FitnessPerks September 18, 2012, 12:52 pm

    I like to run on the roads too-0-but usually less busy streets. I always carry some sort of identification on me too 🙂

  • Kelly September 18, 2012, 12:59 pm

    I’m not a runner but a cyclist. I wear my Road ID all the time. I just never take it off. It’s no different than all those colored bands we used to wear. My husband got me a road construction safety vest to wear when I ride on the street. I might look goofy but no one can say they didn’t see me.

  • Lili September 18, 2012, 1:31 pm

    This post came in handy! great tip on carrying ID also..I never carry ID (although I should) but carry my cell phone all times. I’ve been meaning to get a reflective vest since last year..and the other night i was thinking I must get one so Im prepared as it’s getting darker already early in the evening. I like this one you linked here. I also want to get a dog vest as they are my running buddies!

  • Angie September 18, 2012, 1:47 pm

    Lindsays story is very appaling! It is against the law not to treat in coming patients regardless of insurance. I work as a physician in an ER and you treat regardless if the pt is uninsured or insuranced. She should not have had to wait for pain mediction!

  • Angie September 18, 2012, 1:50 pm

    I used to do all of my runs in the early morning, and my hubby was nervous and got me a reflective vest. We also got some knuckle lights, which we both love using because cars can see us and we can see any obstacles in our path. I almost always listen to music while running, but if I’m out in the dark I have one earbud in and one earbud out with the volume down low.

  • Sarah September 18, 2012, 1:51 pm

    It also doesn’t hurt to get a blinky light and clip it to the back of a hat or to your waistband or the reflective vest/sash above. I have a very small one for my bike, and it has a clip to clip onto a bike bag or clothing. It’s this one (although there are much cheaper models at ~$10) http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Bike-Blinky-eXtreme-Bicycle/dp/B000KBEH1W/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1347990599&sr=8-6&keywords=bicycle+rear+light

  • Sonia the Mexigarian September 18, 2012, 2:35 pm

    I generally run on the sidewalk in my neighborhood when I can’t make it out to a safe path. I don’t trust the drivers in my area. I run with my dog (black and white aussie) and am extra cautious with drivers at intersections because I don’t want them to hit Lando or me. And it’s funny, I just realize, I run against the traffic. I really need to get an Road Id. a reflective vest and a LED collar/leash for Lando. Last winter, running at to be the sunset to avoid total nightfall. . . yeah I don’t want to do that again.

  • Debbie September 18, 2012, 2:44 pm

    A girl I grew up with died while jogging when she was stung by a bee, she was allergic…she did not have any ID on her and she went to the hospital as a Jane Doe…it took her husband hours before he found her. Of course, I still think of it while I am out running but most of the time forget my ID too. Very scary.

    • Caitlin September 18, 2012, 3:29 pm

      That is SO horrible.

  • Anna September 18, 2012, 2:45 pm

    These tips are great and important for drivers as well as runners. I didn’t know those distances about when you are seen – those sre interesting!
    The most important thing is to never take things for granted. Drivers barely stop at the stop-sign, if they turn, run around the back of the car not the front! I mean it. I’ve seen this happen so many times where I live. You have to exit the street in a curve and besides the fact that a mirror is installed you don’t see very much. I’ve had so many runners pass right in front of the car as I was checking the left side. I know the spot but others might not.

  • Amber K September 18, 2012, 2:55 pm

    This stuff always makes me feel so grateful for the gym. No cars to bother me!

  • Ali @ Around the VeggieTable September 18, 2012, 3:04 pm

    I live in a neighborhood with a one mile loop, so I will run that loop anywhere from 4-6 times on a regular day. It really annoys me that I am the ONLY person in my entire neighborhood who knows that you are supposed to run and walk against traffic. And then I have to pass these people multiple times going the wrong direction and it bugs me! LOL

  • Carina September 18, 2012, 3:13 pm

    Only time I’ve been hit was minor. I was running in DC on the sidewalk actually (before I became even a bit serious about running). I was crossing a traffic circule on the sidewalk, and unfortunately in a traffic circle, drivers tend to only look to their left to see if they can pull out, so he never saw me coming from the right. Thankfully he’d been at a dead stop and it was just some bruises and not a big deal. I definitely feel I should have waited for him to be sure he’d seen me before I entered the street, but of course I also wish he’d looked for pedestrians.

  • Angela @ Happy Fit Mama September 18, 2012, 3:15 pm

    I recently heard about the road being softer than a sidewalk. I prefer to run on the sidewalk for safety reasons especially since I do most of my runs in the early morning. Even though I wear reflective gear and a headlamp, I feel a little safer off the road. Oh, and I never leave home without my road id now. Too many creepy stories have made it a habit to wear every time!

  • Claire September 18, 2012, 6:25 pm

    That story makes me so glad to live in a country with free universal healthcare!

  • Amanda September 18, 2012, 9:46 pm

    I really need to get a Road ID. I have most of my information plugged in a note in my phone, and I have emergency contact numbers in there along with my name, age, address, etc. should anything happen. After reading Lindsey’s story, I sort of want to get one. Now. For my bike ride tomorrow morning.

  • Lisa Marie September 20, 2012, 7:44 am

    I live in the suburbs, with street lights and flat roads. Do you live in a rural area? Isn’t that scary? Do you carry your iPhone? When i run in the dark, i bring my iPhone and use the flashlight app to watch where i am going as well as a way to tell cars i am on the side of the road. Just make sure your phone is fully charged, as it does eat up the battery.

    • Lisa Marie September 20, 2012, 7:45 am

      oh! and we don’t have deer or many animals other than rabbits and squirrels. So, I am glad to be a suburban runner!!

  • Leiane September 20, 2012, 4:44 pm

    If she is certain that her treatment was delayed for proof of insurance, she should file a lawsuit. As an ER nurse, I know that this is not only illegal, but unethical. Of course I don’t know your friend or the extent of her injuries, but even trauma patients have to be triaged. She may have been asked for her registration information before she was treated, but that doesn’t mean she wasn’t treated until the info was obtained. I hope that wasn’t the case.
    However, let me emphasize how important it is to carry proper ID at all times. PLEASE carry a list of medical problems, medications you take and any allergies in your wallet. This could be the difference in whether you live or die.

  • victoria September 24, 2012, 7:46 pm

    did you here about the TJ PB recall? I know you eat PB fairly often so didn’t want you to potentially eat something recalled. check it out!

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