With Fall and the end of Daylight Savings Time upon us, it becomes increasingly important to take safety measures when you’re out there training on the roads. This point hit home recently when a Frederick News Post aricle reported on the death of Maryland State Trooper 1st Sgt Tobin Triebel. 1st Sgt Triebel was vacationing in Hillsborough NC with family when he was struck and killed by a tree-trimming truck while he was jogging. According to the Chapel Hills News, 1st Sgt Triebel was jogging with traffic and at the crest of a hill when the truck struck him at 8:41 AM. The driver was going 40 mph, below the 55 mph speed limit of the road, and did not see Triebel.
So a few safety words of wisdom:
- Run against traffic unless conditions warrant otherwise. And even then, listen and check behind you often even it that means stopping and moving over for traffic.
- BE SEEN! Wear reflective vest/clothing articles even if you don’t plan on running on the road. You still may have to cross them.
- Listening to music and running on the road is just not a good idea. It’s even a worse idea to do while cycling. Ensure your safety when doing so even when you’re not on the road.
- Use a headlamp if running in the dark.
- Use lights on your bike, especially a flashing taillight if you’re still riding after sunset.
- Avoid riding/running through areas where fallen leaves cover the ground. You may hit a hidden object or hole and end up either twisting something or worse yet crashing and getting really hurt. Slow down and go around if you can.
Let’s all try not to be a statistic out there and train safe!