Running safely

Slogger Jogger

On Sunday evening I drove past a runner who was running along the main Tinahely Aughrim road which is near me. This road can be busy with traffic, has no hard shoulder and had quite a bit bends on it. I didn't know the runner but couldn't help thinking as I drove on how he was putting himself and drivers on the road in jeopardy. I for one would always try to stick to safer roads and offroad. He wasn't wearing an especially bright tshirt either in the fading evening light. Dangerous IMHO.

Krusty_Clown

Sometimes you don't know a road is dangerous until you try it though. I ran recently around Baldonnel Airport (having never driven around the area) and sadly from a runner perspective, it's not a safe road to run on (no paths, blind corners, narrow roads, trucks and fast moving cars). It's a pity, as it was pretty cool to have the planes and helicopters taking off and landing beside you.

But yeah, the point is well made. Stick to safer roads and wear visible clothing, particularly in the evening.

elvis jones

I've often looked at a route and said hey i'd love to run that.........BUT not a chance with some of the bends on it and they way traffic drives on it.

I also like to drive a new route to see it through the eyes of a driver to see are there any points along it i need to be extra careful and aware of while running.

In the winter evenings i just stick to a local block as its lit up and has paths.

tHE vAGGABOND

I was almost knocked down a number of weeks ago, 100% my fault.

I was running on very last part of my run, in estates near my apartment, and its usually dead around there, so I was on the road and not paying any attention to crossings at all.

Approaching a crossing was a lady in her car, on the phone [at 7am odd too] and it was just blind luck we saw each other at the last possible second, her bumper was millimeters from my legs when she stopped. So a tiny fraction more and I have a serious leg injury - at the very very least.

Im better at looking around me now, run with music less, and got myself a Road ID - as just think you got hurt running tomorrow, would they have any idea who you were, do you carry any kind of ID? [huge percentage of folks dont]

elvis jones

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

I was almost knocked down a number of weeks ago, 100% my fault.

I was running on very last part of my run, in estates near my apartment, and its usually dead around there, so I was on the road and not paying any attention to crossings at all.

Approaching a crossing was a lady in her car, on the phone [at 7am odd too] and it was just blind luck we saw each other at the last possible second, her bumper was millimeters from my legs when she stopped. So a tiny fraction more and I have a serious leg injury - at the very very least.

Im better at looking around me now, run with music less, and got myself a Road ID - as just think you got hurt running tomorrow, would they have any idea who you were, do you carry any kind of ID? [huge percentage of folks dont]

I find i'm so much more aware of where i am etc when i'm listening to music, always looking to my side and behind me. True i have no ID and i think i'll invest in one of them.

Pherekydes

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Sometimes you don't know a road is dangerous until you try it though. I ran recently around Baldonnel Airport...

Used to do this back in the day, before they widened and improved those roads, and never came to any harm. You have to face the oncoming traffic and keep alert. Part of our loop involved running from the Roadstone junction to the Kingswood junction on the N7 hard shoulder. :rolleyes: I stick to Griffeen Park and urban footpaths now.

Ruu_Old

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

I was almost knocked down a number of weeks ago, 100% my fault.

I was running on very last part of my run, in estates near my apartment, and its usually dead around there, so I was on the road and not paying any attention to crossings at all.

Approaching a crossing was a lady in her car, on the phone [at 7am odd too] and it was just blind luck we saw each other at the last possible second, her bumper was millimeters from my legs when she stopped. So a tiny fraction more and I have a serious leg injury - at the very very least.

Im better at looking around me now, run with music less, and got myself a Road ID - as just think you got hurt running tomorrow, would they have any idea who you were, do you carry any kind of ID? [huge percentage of folks dont]

I run on country roads day and night so bring my road ID with me (name, contact phone numbers and blood type). Better safe than sorry.

BobMac104

I run with a road ID also. I run mainly on country roads and I am lucky that its so quiet that i can hear cars coming from a good bit away (45 seconds?)

I ran a different route recently and didnt feel safe at all. Cars going way to fast and no where to go if you know they havent spotted you.

Its actually frustrating enough to run on these roads next to miles and miles of safe fields and not being able to run through them.

trihead

yeah i agree,

People need to be careful where they run. Saw a guy running on the n81 [ past blessington] at the weekend - madness :eek:. Really dangerous road and the road was still busy at the weekend. - particularly as he was running on a section with no hard shoulder.

trihead

gerard65

Anyone know where you can get an ID Bracelet in Ireland, WEB or Bricks and Mortar?
Just realised if anything happened to me the only person who would miss my for some time would be my Ma, but even she spends weeks out of the country so I'd only talk to her once a week. I could be lying in a hospital bed or worse, for weeks:(

Slogger Jogger

You are so much better off avoiding the main roads which have no hard shoulder and going onto minor roads which will have less traffic. I'm amazed too at the amount of runners I see who run wearing dark clothing. Most of my tops are very bright so I show up to fellow road users. In any event 95% of my running is off road. No chance of a traffic collision where I run

gerard65

I always wear a Hi-Vis in the winter despite running on well lit roads in the suburbs. You'd be surprise how runners/walkers can blend into the background even in well lit-up area with the orange coloured street lights. The Hi-Vis makes a massive difference.

BeepBeep67

TKMaxx have NB shorts at the mo with an ID tag in the pocket.
I run on some roads where I need to be careful and always run wide on corners so the traffic can see me sooner and I have an of opportunity to move in.

Cabaal

tHE vAGGABOND wrote: »

Im better at looking around me now, run with music less, and got myself a Road ID - as just think you got hurt running tomorrow, would they have any idea who you were, do you carry any kind of ID? [huge percentage of folks dont]

I actually gave up listening to music for my own safety last year as I run 95% on back roads in the country, also can't listen to music for events so wanted to get used to it

Also got a roadid but only after Mrs Cabaal was worried about me getting knocked down on some back road and not having any details with me.

Cabaal

gerard65 wrote: »

Anyone know where you can get an ID Bracelet in Ireland, WEB or Bricks and Mortar?

In Ireland no I'm afraid, RoadID I got set me back 20e from the states including shipping. Worth it I suppose given its metal etc.

average_runner

Dont have too much of an issue like that around Lucan. All the roads have good footpaths on them, link rd etc is great.

Did make the mistake of running pass Adamstown on to the Newcastle Rd where it narrowed. Got the fright of my life on the first bend as it was so blind and sharp, so I jsut turned back as was not comfty there.

But am totally blessed with areas to run in Lucan, so happy out!

elvis jones

Just ordered an ID on ebay with engraving for 19 squid including delivery. Company also base in the US.

firemouth

I think a safety campaign is needed to bring attention to this,cars on country roads are travelling way to fast these days to anticipate runners and walkers.A recent road safety authority campaign highlighting the need to be aware of cyclists I believe has made a slight difference as I find trucks especially giving me a bit more room,maybe the same needs to be done for other road users.

robinph

Cabaal wrote: »

gerard65 wrote: »

Anyone know where you can get an ID Bracelet in Ireland, WEB or Bricks and Mortar?

In Ireland no I'm afraid, RoadID I got set me back 20e from the states including shipping. Worth it I suppose given its metal etc.

Have been using the RoadID for a while myself as well, I don't get out of bed without ID on. I used to have SOS chains that you could write medical and ID details on a bit of paper inside it, handy if your details might change more often for whatever reason, but eventually got anoyed with it and the RoadID on the wrist is far more conveinient.

Ruu_Old

There is a load of Road ID coupons available. I get them in race packets all the time, normally $1 or $2 off and sometimes $5 off. Let me know if anyone is going to make a purchase.

robinph

There should be a few coupons in a thread in the gear forum as well if Ruu runs out.

D Chief

It had occurred to me a couple of times that I had absolutely no ID while out running. I didn't do anything about it though. Having read this thread I have now ordered a Road ID. 22.50 US dollars incl postage, that's about 16 Euro dollars.
Thanks for the tip.