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Walking is one of the safest sports—no falls, no drownings, no mechanical
mishaps—but it still pays to be careful. The following safety rules apply no matter
where you walk, especially if you’re forced to share your turf with motorized
vehicles:
1. If you can’t use bike paths or sidewalks, walk facing oncoming traffic. However,
always walk on the outside of a blind curve.
2. Walk defensively. Don’t assume that pedestrians have the right-of-way or challenge
vehicles. Not every locale recognizes a pedestrian right-of-way.
3. Wear light-colored or reflectorized clothing at dusk, dawn, and night. Bright colors
attract attention, too. Or find tracks or other areas that are lit well at night.
4. Always carry identification with you in case of an accident or medical emergency. If
you’re traveling, carry the name of the hotel where you’re staying.
5. If possible, walk with a companion. Otherwise, tell someone where you’re going and
when you expect to return.
6. On a path, stay to the right so faster walkers, runners, and cyclists or skaters can
pass. Avoid “pack walking,” which clogs trails.
7. On a track, stay in the outside lanes, unless you’re doing a structured, timed
workout.
8. Leave the personal stereo at home so you’ll be alert to dangers, be they animal,
human, or urban.
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