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RRCA Tips for Runner Safety
1 - DON'T WEAR HEADSETS. Use your ears to be aware of your surroundings. Using headphones, you lose the use of an important sense: your hearing.
2 - Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. By facing on-coming traffic, you may be able to react quicker than if it is behind you.
3 - Look both ways before crossing. Be sure the driver of a car acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle. Obey traffic signals.
4 - Always stay alert and aware of what's going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
5 - Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call. Know the locations of call boxes and telephones along your regular route.
6 - Trust your intuition about a person or an area. React on your intuition and avoid a person or situation if you're unsure. If something tells you a situation is not "right", it isn't.
7 - Alter or vary your running route pattern; run in familiar areas if possible. In unfamiliar areas, such as while traveling, contact a local RRCA club or running store. Know where open businesses or stores are located.
8 - Run with a partner. Run with a dog.
9 - Write down or leave word of the direction of your run. Tell friends and family of your favorite running routes.
10 - Avoid unpopulated areas, deserted streets, and overgrown trails. Especially avoid unlit areas, especially at night. Run clear of parked cars or bushes.
11 - Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your
running shoe. Include any medical information. Don't wear jewelry.
12 - Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
13 - Wear reflective material if you must run before dawn or after dark.
14 - Practice memorizing license tags or identifying characteristics of strangers.
15 - Carry a noisemaker and/or OC (pepper) spray. Get training in self-defense and the use of pepper spray.
16 - CALL POLICE IMMEDIATELY if something happens to you or someone else, or you notice anyone out of the ordinary. It is important to report incidents immediately.