Running in an Urban World – A Runners Guide to Avoiding Accidents – Part 2

By Al M. Kind

In Part 1 of this article we enumerated three things that a city runner could do to minimize the risks of accidents happening while running. In this article we continue with several more things that a runner has to deal with when running in an urban environment.

Dogs

This is probably one of the most irritating things for runners. A lot of people allow dogs to be loose at night. Runners have not run out of crazy dog stories. If you encounter a dog it is best to be careful. Try not to appear scared. Do not attempt to run as dogs can run faster than you. This will also excite the killer instinct of some dogs.

Standing still facing the dog is the best way to deal with dog attacks. If you are running, stop for a while. If the dogs leave you alone walk for a while first then continue running.

Dealing with Mugging

All highly urbanized areas have one thing in common: Crime. It is not uncommon to hear early morning joggers coming home without their expensive running shoes. Now that runners carry digital music players the risks of being mugged has drastically increased.

The easiest way to avoid being mugged is to run only in places that you know are safe. Take note that this may mean not running around your block if safety issues arise.

Another way to deal with mugging is to avoid bringing along expensive things. Like cell phones, iPods, watches or even your wallet. If possible wear out your shoe first before running on a high risk areas.

Wearing Bright Colorful Clothes

Wearing bright colorful clothing can help you pop out from the background in roads passed along by cards. Lighter shades of amber neon colors are best suited for this. If you are running at dusk try not to wear shads of orange or red.

Reflective Gear

Most running gear sold today come with strips of material that reflect light. Since motorists are accustomed to these signals it is best that you don on gear that have these strips. Watches, jackets, pants and even iPod holders now come with this accident preventing materials.

It does not need to be dark for them to beneficial too. They can help in tricky lighting situations like passing a bend with shadows of trees. Even with the vehicles light turned off, the sun will ensure that the reflective strips will make your presence known.

Hopefully these four items along with the three items on Part 1 of this article will serve to remind anyone running in an urban environment to be a lot more careful. The city runner of today is exposed to risks that go beyond the act of running itself. Your safety is your primary concern.

Did you know that a lot of shoes nowadays come with light reflective strips to keep your safe from accidents? Find out if your Stability Running Shoes has them. And while you are at it the Best Stability Running Shoes meant for people with perfectly normal feet.