SOME COMMON COURTESY: RUNNING SAFETY

As the size of our team has grown and as traffic has increased over the last several years it has become more necessary to address the issue of running safety on the roads.  During the 1996 season, the coaches received reports from at least 3 angry adults regarding incidents with our athletes where someone got hurt or nearly did.  It is a time for each of us to take a personal inventory of our running habits on the streets.  There are several common sense things you can do, but the most fundamental practice is BE COURTEOUS AND RUN DEFENSIVELY.

Please review and follow the guidelines listed below.

1. Run on the sidewalk, not in the street.

2. Cross the street only at a corner, preferably at a stop sign or stop light.  NEVER - UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES - ARE YOU TO CROSS THE STREET UNLESS AT A SAFE CORNER WITH THE RIGHT OF WAY.

3. Always yield to vehicles, bicycle riders, skateboarders, roller bladers and skaters, and pedestrians.  Give them the benefit of the right of way at all times.  Be courteous.

4. Run defensively.  Never ever assume that drivers see you.  Always make eye contact with the driver before you enter the street in front of a stopped vehicle.  Even if you know you have the right of way, often drivers do not see pedestrians, especially if you are in motion.  Remember that drivers are often in a hurry and don't always take the time to look.

5. Be alert at all times.  Sometimes running in a group, runners will be busy talking and not paying attention to their surroundings.  Look for unusual situations.  Listen for unusual sounds.  Be prepared for the unexpected.

6. In places where there is no sidewalk, run single-file on the shoulder of the road, or as far off the road as possible.  It is usually best to run against the flow of traffic in this situation.

You are responsible to your teammates, coach and school to adhere to and to hold each other accountable to the guidelines.  Failure to do so may jeopardize your privilege of participation in cross country.