Use these tips to be the safest runner you can be. Some of them may seem obvious but it can only take one second for an accident to happen. The number one overall thing to remember as a runner is to stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Don’t go with the flow. Run in the opposite direction of traffic.
• Carry cash. Stick money or a credit card into your pocket or shoe. You might need a Gatorade or cab fare.
• Drivers think they own the road. Assume every driver is talking on their phone while drinking steaming hot coffee and tuning the radio. Stay as clear of cars as you can. Run on a sidewalk or bike path whenever possible.
• Be a lit-up disco ball in the middle of a dark room. If you’re running in the dark wear a headlamp, carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing.
• Not everyone has the keenest sense of direction. Have an idea of your route before you set out. There is nothing worse than getting eight miles out from your car when it’s starting to get dark and you realize you have no idea how to get back. At that point hopefully you have some phone numbers memorized.
• Don’t be a John Smith or Jane Doe. Carry or wear an id whenever you run alone. Road ID’s are great. They’re inexpensive bracelets and shoe tags that you can engrave with emergency phone numbers and medical information.
• Don’t be a sun goddess. Even if you think you are the goddess of the sun, you should still wear sunscreen and protective clothing.
• Don’t fear the crowds. Run in populated areas. If there are other runners around there is good chance that the area is safe and a good place to run.
• Listen up. If you run wearing headphones, turn down the music so that you can still hear what is going on around you or only wear your headphones in one ear.
• Power in numbers. Run with a friend or Fido. If you don’t have runner friends or a dog ask a friend to bike along you while you run.