Chief’s Column: The runners have hit the road — don’t run them off it

With the nicer weather here, more runners are taking to the streets so I thought I’d post some running safety tips for runners and motorists who have to share the road.

QUESTION: I was driving on one of Grafton’s back roads when I came upon a runner. It was dark and the street was not lit very well. The runner was dressed in dark clothing and was very difficult to see. Luckily, I was watching him so when he suddenly crossed the street, I was able to avoid hitting him. Do you have any advice for runners, especially since many streets in town are narrow and do not have sidewalks?

ANSWER: We have received complaints of near misses between vehicles and runners or walkers, especially on the narrower back roads. Motorists should be alert to pedestrians at all times, adjusting their speed accordingly until they pass the runner or walker. It is also the responsibility of walkers and runners to take precautions when they are in the roadway.

To help keep everyone safe and accident free, the Grafton Police Department would like to provide the following safety advice:

• Run on sidewalks where available as required by law.
• Run on the left side of the road facing traffic. You will be in a better position to anticipate and react to vehicles.
• Run on roads with wide shoulders.
• Be cautious on blind curves where you will not be visible to approaching cars. Be aware of factors that affect motorist visibility such as glaring sun, rain, snow, fog.
• Run single file when running in a group – particularly in high traffic areas.
• Anticipate potentially dangerous situations and be ready to deal with them. Always make the first move to protect yourself. Do not expect cars to alter their paths to avoid you.
• Obey traffic rules and signals. Runners, as pedestrians, are bound by traffic laws.
• Yield the right-of-way to vehicles at intersections. Drivers may not heed traffic signals or signs.
• Be alert at all times. Be wary of “runner’s high,” fatigue, or any lapse of concentration.
• Carry identification or write your name, phone number, and blood type on the inside sole of your running shoe. Include medical information. Don’t wear jewelry.
• Ignore verbal harassment. Use discretion in acknowledging strangers.
• Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Avoid running alone in isolated areas – vary your route. Run with a dog.
• Use your ears as well as your eyes – don’t wear headphones.
• Wear reflective clothing at dawn, dusk or nighttime and bright, visible clothing at all other times.
• Carry a cell phone or change for a phone call.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police