{"id":2507,"date":"2019-11-19T20:58:17","date_gmt":"2019-11-19T20:58:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kg-testsite.com\/?p=2507"},"modified":"2019-11-21T08:40:48","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T08:40:48","slug":"running-safety-month-how-to-stay-safe-while-you-run","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kg-testsite.com\/rosecity\/running-safety-month-how-to-stay-safe-while-you-run\/","title":{"rendered":"Running Safety Month: Tips for Staying Safe While You Run"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Ryan Bourdo, DPT<\/a><\/p>\n

Fellow Oregonians, the time has come again (for the <\/span>last time<\/span><\/a>?!) for daylight savings to come to an end. And for those with the fortitude to brave the darkness during their runs, there are a few things that Rose City Physical Therapy would like to share to keep you as safe as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Last year, nearly <\/span>6,283 pedestrians<\/span><\/a> were involved with traffic fatalities in the United States, a 3.4% increase from the year before. And while programs like <\/span>Vision Zero<\/span><\/a> can help reduce these fatalities, there is still plenty that runners can do to protect themselves during these sunless days and wet glaring weather we contend with in the Pacific Northwest.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few general principles to keep you safe:<\/h2>\n

Stay Defensive<\/h3>\n

A great approach to running in the dark is to stay on the defense: assume drivers cannot see you and always be aware of your surroundings. For example, running against traffic will allow you to know where cars are in relation to you. If you are crossing at a stop sign, go behind a stopped car, or wait for them to drive on. Finding long stretches of flat road will also allow you to see other pedestrians or motor vehicles ahead of time. And speaking of roads\u2026.<\/span><\/p>\n

Find a good route<\/h3>\n

Stick to well lit streets that are easily accessible to pedestrians. But where can you find such a Shangri La you ask? Luckily in Portland, there is almost <\/span>70 miles of roadway<\/span><\/a> specifically for pedestrians and cyclists with the Neighborhood Greenways initiative. And the City of Portland also provides a <\/span>map<\/span><\/a> of these streets!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay Reflective\/Get Lit<\/h3>\n

But running defensively in safer areas is only half of the solution! The other half is having the best gear to stay visible. Our good friends at Fleet Feet made <\/span>this great video<\/span><\/a> on different products they recommend. Our neighborhood <\/span>Fleet Feet PDX<\/span><\/a> in the Slabtown neighborhood of Northwest Portland also have some great items:<\/span><\/p>\n