KEEPING JOGGERS SAFE!

Reflective Runners Hat (Above) and Vest (Below)

One of the things I've learned very quickly about living in Phoenix is that the city has a high number of intersection fatalities. As a former airborne television news reporter who worked split-shifts from a helicopter in the Mid-West, I saw my share of accidents. The most vulnerable people at any hour of the day or night are motorcyclists, bicyclists and especially joggers--most of whom prefer to train on the open road. Even with safety lanes painted on the road surfaces, accidents can happen.

The Road Runners Club of America says that it has been an advocate for safety with guidelines that have been in place for many years. Still, Jean Knaack, the organization's executive director admits that "you can advocate until you're blue in the face, but it just doesn't matter if people don't use common sense". Looking back, here's what I often observed from our vantage point in the helicopter:

• Upon occasion, joggers may start across an intersection crosswalk when the Amber colored traffic signal light comes on. One vehicle may be slowing to a stop closest to the curb prompting a jogger to begin entering the crosswalk. However, the jogger may not see an oncoming vehicle in the center lane driven by a driver rushing to beat the red light. The results can be deadly.
  

• Another common scenario we would often spot is a jogger running against the traffic so as to properly view and react to any mistake a motorist may make. In this instance, many drivers would stop at a red light before turning right. They'd look to their left for oncoming cars but not to their right. Again, the approaching jogger is vulnerable to disaster.

• Using rear view and side view mirrors to back out of a driveway, many drivers fail to see approaching runners. What is the answer to keep joggers safe?
  

Joggers must assume drivers cannot see them. They must be prepared to wait for red lights and for drivers to acknowledge them. In traffic, I have never liked the idea of running a mere three feet from moving traffic. In fact, when I ran track and cross-country in high school and jogged through college and beyond, I always used back lots, trails or sidewalks. Over time, I preferred indoor tracks.

A 2009 Harris poll found that 72 percent of Americans use their cell phones while driving. The risk is just too great. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that drivers programming GPS units, dialing cell phones and texting on Black-Berries contributed to nearly 6,000 fatalities caused by distracted drivers in 2008. Joggers must be prepared to jump onto the sidewalk or the shoulder of a road to avoid being struck by an oncoming motorist. But with so many running outdoors, running with proper ID must include carrying a cell phone with emergency contacts taped to its back. Also, the key to running outdoors anytime is to be seen.

Recently, Runner's World magazine conducted a field-test study and the results were worth blogging about to save a life.

• At a 1/2 mile distance, running with a headlamp or a hand held light is a smart way to allow drivers to recognize you.

• At a 1/4 mile distance, running with a reflective vest (which I personally used for years) or a blinking red headlamp or an arm band light that will reflect your motion and signal a hazard to most drivers is also smart (using both is optimal).

• At any distance from 30 feet to 150 yards, a bright Yellow or Orange shirt with reflective panels on the sleeves is suggested. However, total reflective shirts are best. If you are running with dark pants and shirt, you are simply inviting tragedy.

Elderly drivers, those working longer hours to make ends meet in a tough economy who are driving tired behind the wheel and yes, even annoyed drivers who dislike joggers are additional factors to consider when running to train outdoors. Each of the accidents we saw from the news helicopter were frankly senseless and each one could have been prevented. To avoid a running tragedy, go to runnersworld.com/safety. Be safe!

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This Blog Post is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Dinunzio.