Questions and Answers

Q: My wife recently started a walking program and has progressed to a fairly long course. Aside from watching for cars, what are some good safety suggestions?

Walking is excellent exercise and your wife is to be congratulated. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to safety:

1) Tell someone when you will be out walking and when you expect to return. Carry some identification and a quarter for a phone call.

2) Don't expect drivers to watch out for you. When crossing an intersection, establish eye contact with drivers before proceeding.

3) Dress correctly. If it's dark, wear white or, better yet, reflective clothing.

4) Don't wear headphones. They tune you out from your surroundings and make you vulnerable to all sorts of hazards — cars, bikes, dogs, etc.

5) Be careful of walking in remote areas alone. (Hmmm.. If you take up walking too, then your wife won't have to worry about that last one. Just a thought.)

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