Safety Tips

KC Express members have pooled experiences to offer these safety suggestions for women runners and walkers:

• ALWAYS run or walk facing on-coming traffic. Remember that you can see cars better than they can see you. Be ready to dodge out the way.
• Stay as close to the edge of the pavement as possible. Don’t run or walk more than two side-by-side, and stay single file whenever necessary. In group runs, this is a hard habit to break when you’re talking and having a good time, but it is important for safety.
• Don’t “assert your rights” on the road. If there is any doubt, just step off the road until traffic passes to help drivers feel comfortable and to give yourself a greater margin of safety. A little courtesy never hurts.
• Cross the street at intersections or pedestrian crossings. In a group, everyone should make their own decision on whether it’s safe to cross -- avoid the “herd mentality” to go when others go. 
• Be especially careful in parking lots. Cars don’t necessarily follow traffic rules. Look for back-up lights and listen for engine noise.
• Dress so drivers can see you. Wear light, bright clothing day and night. Wear a reflective vest or flashing light before dawn and after dark.
• Don’t wear headsets outdoors. You can’t hear cars or cyclists approaching, and you appear more vulnerable to potential attackers. 
• When possible, run or walk with a partner or a dog.
• If you run or walk alone, take precautions. Stick to well-populated areas. Vary your times and routes so they’re not predictable. Keep clear of parked cars and dense vegetation. Let someone know your route, when you left, and when you expect to return. Don’t wear jewelry. Carry I.D. that includes only your name and an emergency phone number. Carry a cell phone. Consider carrying a whistle or personal attack alarm.
• Ignore verbal harassment. Be sensible when you’re on the road, but don’t let insignificant taunting limit your freedom. 
• Trust your intuition. If something about a situation, person, or place doesn’t feel right, get away.