Safety Tips For Runners

While FSRC provides guidance, runners are ultimately responsible for their own safety.

  • Prior to a run, tell someone else where you are running and when you are expected to return.
  • Be aware of your surroundings – traffic, potholes, uneven sidewalks, strangers.
  • Wear bright clothing (and reflective gear and lights at night) to make you more visible to drivers.
  • Carry identification – RoadID or license, preferably with emergency contact information.
  • Carry a cell phone in case you get lost or need help.
  • If you must run on the road: RUN ON THE LEFT, AGAINST TRAFFIC. If a car approaches, drop to single file and warn runners with you loudly (“car up” or “car back”). If a car does not seem to be moving over, STEP OFF THE ROAD. Remember that if the sun is to your back, an approaching driver has the sun in their eyes, which significantly reduces their ability to see you.
  • At intersections, ASSUME THE DRIVER DOES NOT SEE YOU. Even if they seem to make eye contact with you. Be particularly cautious with drivers making right-hand turns as they are generally looking left for traffic and may not see you.
  • Do not assume that just because a runner in front of you crosses a street that it is safe for you to cross too.
  • Headphones: We strongly recommend that you do not wear headphones during runs. Hearing is an important sense when running near cars and other people. If you must run with music, try using only one earbud, or bone conduction headphones that do not go into the ear.

Additional safety tips for road running from RRCA can be found here.