by Reynold Conger

Created on: December 11, 2009

Yes, running or jogging on roads is safe.  In fact, it is safer to run on a road with firm footing than to run across rough terrain.  Running on the shoulder separates the runner from the traffic, but in many places, there is no shoulder or the shoulder of the road may itself be a hazardous place to run.  Of course, the runner must use some common sense no matter where they run.  

Whether running or simply walking on a road, the underlying safety factor is to see the traffic and be seen by the motorists.  Runners should run on the left side of the road so that they face oncoming traffic.  This gives a runner one last chance to jump to the side if a car threatens them.  If there is an oncoming car in sight, the runner should be as close to the side of the road as is safe.  On blind curves, a runner may even choose to step off the road and walk around the curve.  The typical driving lane width is plenty wide enough for a car and a runner as long as they both see each other.  Nevertheless, a pedestrian or a runner on the road often makes a driver nervous.  Driveways and side streets give a runner the opportunity to step out of the lane of traffic.  When one of these "islands of refuge" are available, I am polite enough to step to the side as oncoming traffic passes.  Most drivers give a friendly wave.

In the daytime, the runner's clothing should contrast with the background.  I prefer running in a light colored shirt and dark running shorts.  Some runners will add an orange or yellow vest.  Obviously the safest runner will be the one wearing a high visibility orange or yellow shirt or vest with contrasting black markings on it.  The least safe runner is the one all in black or dark blue.  Even in sunlight, a person in dark colored clothing is not noticed as easily.

Once the sun goes down, reflected light is the key.  The minimum requirements for night running is a white shirt.  Better yet is reflective clothing.  Many running shoes have a reflective stripe that is highly visible when the feet are moving.  Some articles of running clothing are manufactured with reflective panels.  A few are so subtle that they look like regular clothing in daylight, but shine brightly in a headlight beam.  

In the absence of any other reflective clothing, a reflective vest can be worn. Comfortable running vests are available, but even a construction worker vest is effective.  My preference for running on warm summer evenings is to wear a lightweight running vest made of reflective cloth.  On the front and back are triangles of plastic that are visible to a driver a mile away

The latest safety device for running at night is a small flashing light that can be pinned on the hat or clothing.  I do not see this as a substitute for reflective clothing, but flashing lights on a runner add a new dimension of safety to running after dark.

Running has its hazards no matter where you run, but running on a road can be made no more hazardous than running elsewhere by sharing the road with the motor vehicles and by wearing highly visible clothing.

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