Prevent a Runner Killed in Car Accident Tragedy with Cold Weather Running Safety Tips
Serious runners run all year; even when it gets cold, dark and wet outside. Unfortunately, poor weather increases the already high chances that a driver won’t see a runner until it’s too late. Runner killed in car accident statistics are not tracked specifically but we know that pedestrian fatalities remain high. Data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) shows that there were 6,283 pedestrian deaths in 2018 alone; the highest number since 1990.
To reduce the risk of car vs. runner accidents, everyone needs to do their part. Runners should wear bright colors during the day and reflective gear at dawn, dusk and in the dark. Runners and drivers both need to be especially careful to check for oncoming traffic before turning a corner and motorists should be aware of runners coming up to cross walks as they run on the road or sidewalk. Runners must follow the rules of the road and should cross the street at a designated crosswalk unless one isn’t available. Runners should never use their cell phone while running on the road and should be careful that earbuds don’t distract them from the motor vehicles around them.
Prevent a runner killed in car accident tragedy with cold weather running safety tips
Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) has compiled a handy list of cold weather running safety tips to help prevent a running accident when it’s cold, dark and wet outside:
- Do not wear headphones or earbuds. In winter weather conditions, you need to be able to hear cars skidding on ice or tree branches cracking before they fall.
- Do not run when the roads are snowy or icy or at the very least, wear traction devices over your sneakers. Not only do snowy and icy roads increase your chances of slipping and falling, cars have less control of their vehicles in these conditions.
- With such a short window of daylight in the late fall and winter, it’s very important to wear reflective clothing and preferably a headlamp or flashing light when you run.
- Wearing layers of clothing can also help protect you from becoming too cold or too hot. If you begin shivering on your run, it’s time to head back.
- Keep a warm blanket and a dry change of clothes in your car for after your run if you are running on a trail far away from home.
- Read the weather forecast and pay attention to incoming weather while out on your run. Head home if a heavy downpour or snowstorm begins or know where to find shelter if you cannot head home immediately. On your way back be especially careful not to slip because road surfaces are extremely slippery at the start of a rainfall as the oil rises to the surface and gets washed away.
Seek the help of a pedestrian accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
