Listen well, exercising outdoors: Actress Reese Witherspoon was hit by a car while running Wednesday in Santa Monica, but luckily only suffered minor injuries. According to the Los Angeles Times, Witherspoon was running in a residential area when he was hit by a car traveling about 20 miles per hour did not give her at an intersection.
Witherspoon was taken to a hospital for treatment and was released hours later. The driver 84-year-old was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. U.S. Weekly reports that the actress has a quarter-size cut on his forehead and a large tree near the intersection could have impeded the driver's vision. No mention of the reports Witherspoon was running with headphones, as has often been photographed doing.
Unfortunately, runners, walkers, cyclists and beaten by cars more often than it seems, sometimes with serious consequences. Here's how you can be sure to get your sweat on the outside.
How to stay safe on the roads
1. Running or walking on the sidewalk whenever possible. Although it is legal in many states of pedestrians use the roads or sidewalks, it is always good to have some space between you and several tons of moving objects.
2. If no sidewalk, run facing traffic. In the absence of a sidewalk, the safest place to run is on the left side of the road where drivers can see and you can see oncoming cars. Cyclists, however, you bike with traffic.
3. Turn down the music. A lot of runners listening to music, and that's fine, that even long-term can help or faster. But do yourself a favor and keep the volume low or only use an ear bud to hear oncoming cars and people. Running with headphones can also draw your attention away from the ground in front of you and you could end up tripping over a branch or a rock unnoticed.
4. Assume that drivers do not see. Even if it's daylight and running in a marked pedestrian crossing, it is best to wait to proceed until A) makes eye contact with the driver and wave or stop him or B) wait it out .
5. Beware of blind turns. If you can not see a curve, or the oncoming driver. Some 300 meters before the corner, cross the right side of the road. When the road straightens out (and traffic permitting), turn left.
6. Carry identification. If something were to happen in a race and medical professionals were called, most people would be identifiable. Get your driver's license in your pocket or get a bracelet or a bag of shoes with a badge of sites like RoadID.com. This is especially important for people with medical conditions or drug allergies. And if you feel safer carrying a cell phone.
7. Use bright or reflective clothing. If you run in the early morning or evening, wear clothing that is bright or has reflective details or get a reflective vest running. To increase visibility, consider clip-on lights that flash or glow continuously both.
How to be safe when running or exercising outdoors? Do you or someone you know has been hit by a car while running?
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