There tend to be two philosophies for running with traffic. One is “Own the road,” and the other is to just be careful. I am completely in the “careful” camp.
My number one rule is: If there is going to be a car vs runner accident, don’t be there.
“Own the Road” runners like to be in the cartway, hold their line, and yell at cars who don’t give them wide berth. I find this frustrating, scary and dangerous.
Here are some of my rules.
- Run on the left, in to traffic (in the USA). You want to see imminent death with a clear eye.
- On rural roads, step off the road for oncoming traffic. Pull up and walk if approaching a dangerous intersection.
- Don’t always cross at the busiest place – for example, in small towns I prefer to run the alleys rather than the main streets, which allows for easier crossings one street at a time, rather than at four-way intersections.
- If an oncoming car is preparing to turn left, assume cars behind will swing out around them into the pedestrian lane.
- Assume every car is being driven by a 17 year old who is texting on her phone, while eating and crying. It’s up to you to get out of the way and not be an accident.
- If something looks the least bit dangerous, remove yourself from that situation quickly.
- Cars are big and heavy – they will win.
Wear something reflective. At night wear a headlamp up front and a red flashy in back.