HESSEQUA NEWS - There has been an appeal from motorists that joggers and cyclists have to start wearing highly visible clothing and reflectors for their own safety.
It has come to the attention of a motorist that joggers wear black when they go jogging during the early morning hours, and late afternoon.
Research has shown that high visibility clothing is effective at improving drivers' awareness of the presence of runners and cyclists. If drivers are aware of other road users just a fraction of a second earlier, they can take evasive action that can prevent an accident. If you aren't seen, the consequences are often tragic. Fluorescent and reflective strips provide increased driver awareness once you are in the beam of the car headlights. Vibrant colour shirts and jacket of which some have reflectors printed on, are widely available. Head gear, arm, ankle and waist straps are very popular. Lightweight lights that can flash or just shine can easily be clipped onto almost anything.
Safety tips and rules for both cyclists and runners from Arrive Alive:
Stay safe while running
- Wear highly visible clothing and or reflective gear.
- Drivers have a bad habit of not looking for pedestrians. Be sure to make eye contact before crossing in front of a car.
- Never assume you have been seen.
- Do not wear headsets when running alone.
- Always stay alert and aware of what is going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
- Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
Safety and rules for cyclists
- Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Head injuries cause a high percentage of all cycling deaths.
- Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one.
- Wear eye wear to protect eyes from dirt, wind and bugs.
- Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing suitable for the weather and time of day that will help other road users to see you.
- When in a group, do not ride next to each other.
- Always ride on the inside of the yellow lane where possible.
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