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Nothing in life is 100% safe, but running on roads is not a very risky prospect. As with all things, there is less risk associated with it when done properly. Statistically speaking, driving on the road is much more dangerous than running on it. (I myself am a runner, as my father has been for 40 years, and have yet to meet someone who has come to harm running on the road, whereas there have been many auto accidents affecting the people I know.)

To maximize safety, the runner can take certain measures:

He/she ought to wear visible clothing. (That I've been known to run at night in black without mishap should not be taken to discourage safe behavior.) There are a myriad of accessories out there to enhance visibility as well, including reflective vests and strips as well as clip-on lights.

In at least some states, runners are required by law to run Facing traffic - that is, on the left side of the road. Note that since such laws exist, state governments have given their de facto approval for runners to use the roadways. While I've never seen the rule enforced, it does make a lot of sense from a safety standpoint. Facing the traffic gives you the opportunity to watch and make certain that the drivers have indeed seen you (and are giving you enough space). The runners who foolishly run with traffic are putting themselves in unnecessary jeopardy.

Runners should always practice basic safety as well; looking both ways before crossing the street and staying visible to cars rather than weaving in and out of parallel parked vehicles.

Running in the street frequently offers a safety advantage over running on sidewalks or trails. Our roadways tend to be maintained much more frequently than footpaths (though with current trends, exercise paths are receiving more care in some areas now). Runners most frequently incur injuries themselves, pulling muscles and ligaments, spraining joints, and the like. Such injuries are much more likely on an irregular surface, as an uneven sidewalk can be - or a path with roots or potholes.

Runners are much faster than other pedestrians. Getting past walkers can pose a threat or challenge itself, especially with the growing number of people who walk with headphones (or cell phones) impairing their ability to hear. On the sidewalk, the runner may be forced to leave the path to go around the unvigilant walker, putting him/her at risk of injury on the uneven ground. The runner is also at risk if he/she happens to startle the walker. When they are unable to hear the runner, they first become aware of the runner when he/she passes them, and may act to protect themselves, mistaking the runner for a mugger or something. This may sound extreme, but enough walkers carry mace, canes, or other devices to make them feel safer that they become a risk when startled. Dog walkers too are dangerous to the runner, because far too many people are irresponsible and give their dogs too much leash. Most dogs are friendly, but enough have made a grab for my ankles to leave me wary.

Running on the roads is a safe and advantageous choice. Now get out there and run!

Learn more about this author, Ernest Capraro.
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