Runner Safety: Please Read

As runners in Rocky Mount, we often get spoiled by the seemingly endless roads we have to run on. We should however never forget to take precaution when we go out to run. One of our runners recently had an encounter when they were running this weekend. A red haired man in a white 4x4 pickup truck pulled up beside them, asking questions, and eventually exposed himself to the runner.

In situations like this, you need to know how to handle yourself.

• First and foremost, never engage with a person who is trying to upset you, or doing something inappropriate.
• If a car is looking for help, don't stop moving, and never go to their window.
• If you feel uncomfortable head to the nearest house, and ring the doorbell.
• If there is nowhere nearby and you do not have a phone, hold your hand to your ear like you have a cell phone and pretend as if you are making a call. Most people will not stick around to see if you have a phone.

The items above are how to handle a bad situation. The best thing to do is to prevent them.

• Don't run alone.
• Carry a cell phone if you can.
• Don't run with head phones, so you can stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• Always let someone know when you are going running, and the roads you will be on.
• Always carry ID, like a drivers license or a roadid.

Men and women need to be careful. I have had cars swerve directly at me on a run, so don't think mean are not a risk. As we enter the summer months, the heat will be tough, so these rules become even more important. Bottom line. . . take care of yourself.