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How pedestrians can stay safe when jogging near traffic

Going for a jog often means running along the shoulder of the road, moving against traffic, or running on the sidewalk. This means that, even for those who have been doing it for years, there’s always some level of inherent risk.

In order to avoid being struck by a car, pedestrians may want to consider the following tips. These can help to keep you safe when you believe there are dangerous drivers all around you.

Don’t wear your headphones

Start by opting not to listen to music or wear your headphones for podcasts or audiobooks. It often seems convenient to consume this type of media while running, but it distracts you and blocks the noise from the road around you.

Make sure you can be seen

Visibility is also very important, especially at night. Runners should try to wear bright clothes that stand out against the dark pavement. They may want to consider clothes with reflective material, and they may even want to wear headlamps or vests with built-in LED lights.

Always obey traffic laws

Additionally, runners should never cross where there isn’t a crosswalk or run on the wrong side of the road. You always need to obey traffic laws because this is where drivers expect you to be. Any amount of confusion can lead to an accident, even if it seems relatively safe at the time. 

Who was that fault for your injuries?

One thing to keep in mind is that these tips may help you stay safe, but, as long as you’re obeying traffic laws, you’re not obligated to wear certain clothes or keep your headphones at home. If a driver makes a mistake and injures you, you need to know how to seek financial compensation.

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