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flarunner
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Joined: 30 May 2002
Posts: 2230
Location: FLA
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 Posted: 02/22/03 - 22:29 Post subject: Cars and runners
Saw this at the Runner's World site and thought I'd share:
| hillrunr wrote: | I had an incident with a car yesterday evening that I was thinking about posting because of how frustrated I was over it but I decided not to. Then, I heard some disturbing news this morning and I just wanted to send a reminder to everyone that car vs. runner incidents aren't very favorable for the runner, especially if it's a big car.
My incident involved someone who seemed to be out to get me. I was running down Grand Ave. in Waukesha at probably about 5:45 when a car came up to make a left turn. No other cars in the area, the car could have easily made the turn before I was even close to the intersection. Instead, the driver, staring at me the whole time, stopped. I thought kind of strange since she could have easily made the turn before I was there but I appreciate the gesture of letting me through. Just as I stepped off the curb, she guns it and completely cuts me off. I couldn't believe it. She had a clear path the whole time, could have easily made the turn in front of me without incident. She was staring at me the whole time, there is no doubt she saw me. It was like she was trying to hit me. A little frustrated, a little peeved, I slapped her back window with an open hand. Not real hard, just enough to let her know I wasn't exactly pleased that she consciously cut me off in what almost seemed like a situation where she was trying to hit me. She continues driving maybe 10-15 feet past me, then comes to a complete stop right in middle of the road and lays on her horn. Total idiot and other words that I won't use here. Ruined a portion of a very pleasant 10 miler.
This morning, on the news, they had a report of an 18 year old runner who was hit and killed by a truck in Appleton at about 9:30 last night. They were reporting that police were still investigating but no charges had been filed against the driver yet, meaning either there is little or no evidence of what actually happened or the runner may have been doing something she shouldn't have been doing. Regardless of who was in the wrong in this situation, the runner came out as the big loser.
Please, remember to be very careful around traffic. Even when it looks like someone is being polite and waiting for you, you don't know until the situation is over. It could be an idiot like I faced who seems out to make the lives of others miserable. No matter what the situation is, no matter how right or wrong you may be in a situation, you as the runner are the one who stands to be the big loser in a situation like this. |
Here's a link to the thread if you want to read some horror stories.
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TriBob
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Joined: 29 Aug 2002
Posts: 5771
Location: Lost in Transition
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Posted: 02/23/03 - 08:44 Post subject:
Unfortunately, this stories are all to common for runners and cyclists. That is why I am against wearing headphones. You need all your senses to stay safe. Even off road against dogs and the occasional loser who wants to do you harm.
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shelee
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Joined: 23 Oct 2002
Posts: 2409
Location: IN
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Posted: 02/23/03 - 10:05 Post subject:
| TriBob wrote: | | Unfortunately, this stories are all to common for runners and cyclists. That is why I am against wearing headphones. You need all your senses to stay safe. Even off road against dogs and the occasional loser who wants to do you harm. |
I couldn't agree more. This is what I don't understand, we're obviously on our feet...while we'd like to think our bodies machines, lol, they really can't compete with a ton of metal, yet it seems some people in their cars almost see the running as some type of challenge or insult. I really don't get it at all. 
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
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Posted: 02/23/03 - 10:05 Post subject:
One of my training partners lost his B-I-L in a cycling accident early one Sunday morning to a drunk driver. You've really got to watch out for cars.
I stick to mostly residential areas when I run because there is less traffic but on some of the busier roads you've got to spend almost all of your time figuring out how the next driver you're going to encounter is going to react.
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flarunner
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Joined: 30 May 2002
Posts: 2230
Location: FLA
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Posted: 02/23/03 - 20:11 Post subject:
| shelee wrote: | | ...I really don't get it at all. |
Neither do I. And haven't understood that concept all the years I've run. 
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Cappy
Excelent
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Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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Posted: 02/23/03 - 20:18 Post subject:
Also, a good reason to have some sort of ID on you at all times. I have one on my shoe, and I wear dog tags as well.
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TriBob
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Joined: 29 Aug 2002
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Location: Lost in Transition
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Posted: 02/24/03 - 09:37 Post subject:
Road ID
I have the ankle bracelet. Velcro strap. Use it for running and cycling.
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purple hayes
Frightened Inmate #2
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Joined: 14 May 2002
Posts: 14462
Location: ON YOUR LEFT!
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Posted: 02/24/03 - 09:45 Post subject:
I don't carry ID when I run, but my bike does have a set of dog tags. 
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jrjo
Gone Fishin
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 16450
Location: Lake Wobegon, MN
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Posted: 02/24/03 - 10:39 Post subject:
I've heard plenty of scary stories, nothing major myself. Way too many loonies behind the wheel on the verge of going 'Grand Theft Auto' on our skinny butts. When I was house hunting a few years back, no small consideration was given to running and wide shoulders, trails, light traffic, back roads, and plenty of options to mix it up. Seems like common sense, but it's all about odds.. less cars equals less chances of being roadkill.
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runswithscissors
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Joined: 15 May 2002
Posts: 8797
Location: In a badger state of mind
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Posted: 02/24/03 - 10:46 Post subject:
I am glad there are sidewalks when I do my city runs. Of course, I still have to cross the street, but I try to keep on high alert. I think I am more worried about the cars on my country runs just because I am on the shoulder of the road. You just have to pay attention to everything happening around you. Of course, there's only so much you can do when someone is purposely harrassing you on your run. Sheesh.
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akern
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Joined: 31 May 2002
Posts: 17149
Location: CTU
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Posted: 02/24/03 - 11:40 Post subject:
I'm too chicken to run along side the highway for that reason. I stick to the park and low-traffic, low-speed areas. Very careful when crossing intersections. Some people are nice, some are not.
I too have an id on my shoe. SIL came over one day just as I got back from running and says: "what's that on your shoe?"
I say id in case I get run over or keel over. She says "Really???""
Didn't realize the concept was a difficult one.
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