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I can remember the first time that my Nike's hit the pavement on the country highway where I grew up. I remember it so well because I have been addicted ever since. Sure, I enjoy the treadmill (probably more than most), but there is nothing like the thrill of running in the open air. I've run on every road in every place that I have ever lived and have never felt threatened.

With all of that being said, I think that it is extremely important to take some precautions before starting your road jogging regiment.

1. You should definitely know the area. If you live in a violent neighborhood or high-crime area, then obviously you should probably opt for the treadmill or a short drive to a better neighborhood.

2. Look for dogs. If there are unchained, vicious dogs in the neighborhood where you will be running, plan another route. I used to run a dedicated five mile route three times a week starting from my house. Then one day, I noticed a pit-bull in the backyard of one of the houses on the route. The dog barked violently when I passed and seemed to be held in by a "barely there" fence that appeared to be about a foot tall. After driving by a couple of days later and seeing that the situation had not changed, I changed my route. I only had to make a minor adjustment and chose to view that as variety. Remember it is always better to be safe than sorry.

3. Watch out for blind hills and curves. If it is safer to take the opposite (incorrect) side of the road until you get back into a straightaway then you should take it. Just stay alert and be ready to take the ditch when in compromising situations.

4. Be careful with your headphones. I always wear headphones when running but I follow a few simple rules for safety. Always pause your music when running up or down a hill so that you can hear cars. Take out your headphones and hang them around your neck when jogging in dark or desolate areas. This will prevent an attacker from believing that they could sneak up on you. Alwasy keep your volume at a moderate level so that you can still be aware of your surroundings.

5. Be courteous to drivers. Although you are the pedestrian, it is a good idea to assume that the driver may not see you or be able to avoid getting close to you. If I'm running and two cars are approaching from opposite directions, I always take the ditch to let the oncoming car that I am aware of the situation and that it is okay for them to proceed forward. Most usually, I can continue running without being slowed down.

6. This one seems so obvious but still worth stating: if you must run at night, run in a well lit area of your town or subdivision and wear bright colored clothing with reflective strips.

7. Lastly, if possible always let someone know when you are going to be running and where. I always try to do this just for a little extra peace of mind.

Jogging on the roads has always been safe in my experience. However, if you have no common sense whatsoever, then you should buy a treadmill and put it in front of the TV in your bedroom.

Learn more about this author, Mickey Dee.
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