PAY ATTENTION: A Reminder of Runner, Cyclist, Pedestrian, and Motorist Safety

This past week a great friend of mine was out running and was unfortunately hit from behind by a car.  He was hospitalized with broken bones, cuts, and bruises.  I ask that you keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers and ask that you do the same for the driver of the car.  I say all this because I want you to realize that this is real.  Runners, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists can be in danger when out and about.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 69,000 pedestrians are injured each year, with 4,500 of that number being fatalities. Almost certainly over 1,000 of these injured pedestrians are runners and joggers. The statistics also show that males bear the brunt of pedestrian fatalities (70 percent), and here’s another statistic that will curl your toes: 36 percent of pedestrian fatalities involve drunk drivers. – Health and Sports Magazine

Here are a few things to remember:

·         Wear bright reflective clothing.

·         If exercising early in the morning or evening have a light on you. There are several that clip onto a hat or can be carried.

·         Bicycles should have front and rear lights.

·         Runners/walkers should always face oncoming traffic.  Bicycles should ride with traffic and obey all traffic laws.

·         If cycling always wear a helmet.

·         Motorists need to be aware of their surroundings and remember that the law requires them to give pedestrians and cyclists at least 3 feet of space when passing.

·         Motorists can slow down until it is safe to pass. It's not worth someone's life to get somewhere 5 seconds faster.

Thanks to Chris Seay for contributing to this article.