Running Safety
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

Is anyone paying attention?   Everyday I see early morning runners who think that motorists are expecting to see them on the shoulder of the road.   Why can't runners learn to run safely?

Women especially, are more vulnerable out on the road or trail but men can follow a few simple safety rules too.  

Rule number one:   It's better to be seen by the driver of a 5000 pound car than looking cool in your dark blue warm up suit.   Bright contrasting color outfits are a plus. Dusk, dawn or at night is the time to take less than a minute to slip on your inexpensive reflective gear.   All the local running specialty shops have vests, headlamps, flashing buttons and other reflective accessories that give runners little excuse for not lighting up.   Remember to run against traffic and don't forget that the sun may be in the driver's eyes. Eighty percent of the time the runner (not the driver) could have avoided the accident.

Rule number two: Don't wear headphones. Running is the opportunity for you to get in touch with your environment not distracted from it. Bikes can do serious damage to runners too, whether on a bike path, hard shoulder or trail.   You'll never hear them coming if you've got "Beast of Burden" blasting in your ear. Save the tunes for the treadmill. Headphones aren't appropriate for races either. It's your opportunity to run with people, not inside your head. How many marathoners have tripped over a person wearing headsets?

Rule number three: Women need to take extra caution.   Unfortunately, there are too many unsavory predators looking for opportunities to take advantage of women runners. You can reduce your vulnerability by being aware of your surroundings. Carry a whistle, vary your routes and times, run with a friend or a dog.   Stay away from desolate areas.   Use your intuition, if something seems suspicious, turn around and head in a different direction.   At one time, Honolulu had one of the highest incidents of rape. Local women runners often carried a skunk or pepper spray to ward off potential attackers.   By removing your fear or panic you can reduce the intensity of aggression.

Rule number four:   Carry identification.   It's not that hard to carry information on your shoe, in a pocket or clipped to your shorts.   This becomes more important if you have a medical condition. How hard can it be to print something on the back of your tag that may be able to solve your medical emergency, especially during a race?

Rule number five:   Know your surroundings.   Spend the time to learn where you might get help if you need it.   Do you know where the nearest police station is?   Where to get water if you're dehydrated?   Trail running is fun but if your out in the middle of nowhere and you trip and fall how will you be able to reach help?    Work out the plan in advance.

Rule number six: Don't leave valuables in your car.   Races are the perfect opportunity for thieves to brake in.   If you must keep some things in your car, keep them hidden or in your trunk to reduce temptation. Lock your doors and carry your cell phone or wallet with you if necessary.   Park in places that are well lit.  

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226