You are running your usual neighborhood route and hit the crosswalk button at a traffic light to run across a quiet street. You have your reflective vest and cell phone and aren't wearing earbuds because it's only 5:45 a.m. and still pitch dark.
You get the signal to walk and are midway across when you hear a car approaching. It is slowing but not enough to actually stop. The driver misses you by inches, then speeds off.
Do you:
(a) Call 911 on your cell phone, knowing the chance of a police chase is slim to none?
(b) Make note of the car's make and model, knowing the chance of finding it later to leave a nasty note is also slim to none?
(c) Use all that anger to power up the hills, ending the route 10 minutes faster than usual?
Yes, I opted for (c) while obsessing about (a) and (b). This is the second time in a week I've almost been hit by an early morning motorist. I am doing everything right, but the past week just proves that staying aware is not enough. I pick areas where there is some motor traffic because then I'm not as secluded. But that has its drawbacks too.
Stay safe and use common sense if you run while it's dark or as the sun is coming up or going down since solar glare can be blinding to motorists too.
19 comments:
That's awful
I am so ready for more daylight!
PS...Yehas were "reminding" all morning abou the two abreast rule, but I also understand how people want to talk to each other as they run. Actually I get pretty entertained by some of the 40-something men in the B group who get all puffed up when running with the 20-something women...you know what I mean... He was really focused on her...face :-))
Much like in sailing, right of way is best taken when offered and not expected as a matter of course. Bummer but it is the safer option.
How scary!!!
You forgot about d) obsessing over the fact that you could have been HIT! That happened to me with our new 'smart' traffic signals and it shook me for a while.............
Scary, Anne! Too many close calls. It makes me really nervous for you even though you are doing EVERYTHING right.
A good reminder for all of us, Anne. Even when doing everything right, we can't be too careful because too many drivers just aren't paying attention!
I'm with you...C) with a healthy obsession of A) & B)...
Louise says...Where is option "D" find the biggest rock and hurl it at the offending car?
I like option C too though prefer to have to have choose at all. Hope you have near miss free outings from here on.
Thanks for the warning! So scary.
I've come close to being hit too. People are just not alert at that time so you have to be.
I've opted for c, and that's happened to me in complete daylight, and on a sidewalk. Sorry those drivers did not see you!
Please, be safe and keeping doing all the right things.
I agree, "c" is the better solution. Every runner has one or more "adventures" with dogs and cars....and - only for men- with the wife if he comes back home full of mud under the shoes.
What a sucky driver! :( I would have picked C too. A nasty note would be most satisfying though.
I agree- finding the balance between stay in a populated area and staying safe from idiot drivers is tough. I totally go through the same thing!
It doesn't get much better on the trails Anne! I get to run on trails, just to have as many close calls with the cyclists! I've just learned to be attentive and careful, althoughbthe thought of a taser has crossed my mind...
That sucks, Anne. It's part of why I have been working out inside more often lately. Our streets around here are so narrow right now due to the snow, I've seen people running down the middle of the right hand lane of Commonwealth Avenue. The side streets - well they are literally down to one lane in many places. So I've decided to play it a bit on the smarter side this year, and am getting my workouts done indoors, more than i used to. I don't want to get injured by trying to be a die-hard outside, you know?
And you are being smart, wearing all that reflective stuff too. I do as well in the dark.
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