Traffic

There tend to be two philosophies for running with traffic.  One is "Own the road," and the other is to just be careful.  I am completely in the "careful" camp.

My number one rule is: If there is going to be a car vs runner accident, don't be there.

"Own the Road" runners like to be in the cartway, hold their line, and yell at cars who don't give them wide berth.  I find this frustrating, scary and dangerous.

Here are some of my rules.

• Run on the left, in to traffic (in the USA). You want to see imminent death with a clear eye.
• On rural roads, step off the road for oncoming traffic.  Pull up and walk if approaching a dangerous intersection.
• Don't always cross at the busiest place - for example, in small towns I prefer to run the alleys rather than the main streets, which allows for easier crossings one street at a time, rather than at four-way intersections.  
• If an oncoming car is preparing to turn left, assume cars behind will swing out around them into the pedestrian lane.  
• Assume every car is being driven by a 17 year old who is texting on her phone, while eating and crying.  It's up to you to get out of the way and not be an accident.  
• If something looks the least bit dangerous, remove yourself from that situation quickly.  
• Cars are big and heavy - they will win.

Wear something reflective.  At night wear a headlamp up front and a red flashy in back.