Each year, over 122,000 runners,
walkers, and cyclists are hit by cars.
To limit your chances of joining their ranks, do what you can to make
yourself more visible to motorists. The
best way to accomplish this is with reflective gear, from vests to wristbands
to clip-on LED lights. These items are
especially critical during the fall and winter months when pedestrian accidents are at
their highest volume, as reflective apparel and accessories can add up to
several hundred feet to visibility.
Reflective gear is more than just bright-colored clothing; it includes
clothing and accessories with reflective patches that actually illuminate when
light (like car headlights) is shone on them.
My personal favorite piece of
reflective gear is the New Balance Tri-Viz Cap, which we sell at the store. Not only is it highly reflective, but it also
has built in LED lights in the brim to light the path ahead of you. It’s seriously great because it helps you be
seen, and it also does a wonderful job of allowing you to see where you are
going and improve your footing in the dark.
No more carrying a flashlight with you on your runs!
Other best practices to keep
yourself safe include running with iPods on low volume (so you can hear
traffic) and running on the left side of the road, facing traffic. You are much
more able to act quickly to avoid an oncoming motorist if you can see or hear
them approaching.
Tri-State Running Company heavility promotes visibility
and advocates safety awareness in our community. I cannot stress the importance of reflective
apparel and accessories enough if you are going to be exercising outdoors early
in the morning or later in the evening, when light is limited. Stop by the store to learn more about the
reflective gear we carry and try out a head lamp, reflective hat, clip-on LED
light, or any of our new fall/winter apparel with built-in reflectors. The more reflective gear you wear, the more
likely it is that drivers will spot you.
We hope to see you staying
safe on the roads this winter!
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