How Can Runners Stay Safe From Car Crash Injuries in Texas?
Early this month, a runner was killed in a hit-and-run incident in San Antonio near Loop 1604, contributing to an unfortunate pattern of serious injuries and fatalities among runners, joggers, and other pedestrians in Texas. Being hit by a car while running can cut your life short or alter it permanently, and it may be a challenge to recover the compensation you deserve. With this in mind, any precautions you can take to avoid being injured by a negligent driver are worthwhile.
Safety Tips for Texas Runners and Joggers
Whether you are an avid runner or occasional jogger, it is important to be aware of the risk of injury any time you are running near the road. You can better ensure your safety by doing all of the following:
- Staying away from high traffic areas. Whenever possible, try to plan your running route to avoid busy roads. Sticking to jogging trails and residential areas can help you stay out of harm’s way. If you do need to include a busier road in your route, try to time your run to avoid rush hour when traffic is at its most dangerous.
- Running on the sidewalk. Texas law requires pedestrians to use the sidewalk whenever there is one available. If you need to leave the sidewalk to avoid an obstacle or because there is no sidewalk for part of your route, try to return to the sidewalk as soon as possible. If you need to run on the road for an extended time, you should stay on the left shoulder and run facing traffic.
- Taking extra care at intersections. Whenever you reach an intersection, you should be certain that there are no cars approaching before you run through it. Do not assume that a vehicle will stop at a stop sign or traffic signal. If there is a walk signal, wait until it tells you to proceed before crossing the street.
- Running during daylight hours. Runners are at much greater risk at night, both because of the decreased visibility and the increased presence of drunk and drowsy drivers. Try to run during the day whenever possible, and if you need to run at night, equip yourself with lights and reflective clothing.
- Avoiding noise-canceling headphones or earbuds. Running while listening to music or a podcast is common, but if you are not careful, it can block out the noise of approaching traffic and decrease your awareness of the surroundings. Using a transparency mode feature or keeping the music to a reasonable volume can help you stay alert and safe.
Contact a New Braunfels Pedestrian Accident Lawyer
If you have been hit by a car on your run, you should contact a New Braunfels personal injury attorney at The Bettersworth Law Firm as soon as possible. Whether the driver flees the scene or stays to help and exchange information, we can help you pursue fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and any other relevant damages. Contact us at 830-443-9193 today to request a free consultation.
Sources:
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/local/shoe-drive-underway-to-honor-avid-local-runner-who-died-sunday-in-hit-and-run-accident
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.552.htm
