Safety first for runners and walkers

Suburban jungle

South Africa is the ideal place to walk or run. We have it all; fine weather, leafy suburbs and lovely open spaces with hiking trails where you can enjoy nature.

There are, however, a few obstacles runners and walkers need to take note of before taking on certain areas of the suburban jungle.

Obstacle number one: South African drivers; they are notorious for not adhering to the speed limit or stopping at stop signs, pedestrian crossings and even red robots, as many a foreign visitor has experienced to his or her dismay. Furthermore, certain road users proudly proclaim that they stop anywhere, anytime and any place that suits them. If you don’t give way, “eish!”, bad luck to you!

Obstacle number two: Be prepared to share the streets and sidewalks with cyclists both professional and domestic, the odd delivery guy or Post Office official on a motorbike, dogs, beggars at every robot and intersection and guys selling everything from fruit and vegetables to children’s toys, sunglasses and hats or handbags; all proudly copied in China, of course!

How to stay safe

Being from pioneering stock, South African runners and walkers have been quick to “maak ‘n plan” (make a plan) and to adapt to some important, extra, road safety rules to keep safe.

• • Don’t run or walk with anything on your person that can be converted into cash, especially jewellery or cell phones (hide the latter somewhere inconspicuous). Whistles, knuckle dusters, pepper sprays and the likes are fine. Keep them out in the open.

• • Don’t wear headphones; you’ll be the last to hear the pitter-patter of thieves’ feet behind you or the roar of the taxi trying to tear past you on the sidewalk.

• • Don’t walk or run alone or late at night unless you have a bodyguard or pitt bull or rottweiler with you (on a chain of course!).

• • Don’t assume that everybody knows or adheres to the road rules. For example, if you are running facing oncoming traffic (as most road running rules suggest), beware of minibuses charging up the sidewalk or shoulder of the road, straight at you, intent on “jumping” the queue building up at the intersection or robot or scene of an accident. When running with your back to oncoming traffic the same applies, so stay alert and get well out of the way of 4×4 vehicles, lorries, buses and the aforementioned queue-jumpers. Actually, you need the wisdom of Solomon to know where to run − so good luck and keep your eyes peeled.

• • Be very careful when crossing the road at an intersection or robot. Remember, the rule of thumb is that at least two cars will dash across after the lights have turned red; wait and count before crossing.

• • When running or walking in a group, single file is better and a smaller target.

• • Carry some form of identification (not your ID). Write your name, phone number and blood group on the inside sole of your running shoe − except if it’s a Reebok or Nike (just joking).

• • Tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to be back, and beware of strangers in parked or very slow-moving cars.

• • Stay hydrated; take fluids along especially in extreme heat and humidity and don’t forget the sunscreen and sunglasses.

• • Wear reflective clothing or strips when running or walking, especially early in the morning or late afternoon. Never assume that an oncoming vehicle has seen you. Wave at the driver if necessary to make sure.

• • Be aware of the terrain, of potholes and cracks in the sidewalks that may cause injury.

The moral of the story: be warned but don’t be put off. Running and walking is an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. Also, scout out a safe route and enjoy your runs and walks to the full!

 

Sources
Knowing your running safety rules. Retrieved from: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/knowing-your-running-safety-rules.html
Road running safety. Retrieved from: http://www.adams-legal.com/Legal Articles/Road-Running-Safety.html
Walking safety. Retrieved from: www.walkinginfo.org/path to document/file name