NEWS for North Dakotans
Agriculture Communication, North Dakota State University
7 Morrill Hall, Fargo, ND 58105-5665

October 29, 1998

Walking for Your Health Should Be Safe Walking

Walking for health is becoming increasingly popular as a form of exercise. Health experts say it is a healthy way of stimulating the circulation and lung capacity and it's also a good way to work off excess weight. But, a North Dakota State University safety expert warns that walking is not without risk and hazards.

"An ever-present risk when walking outdoors is a collision between motor vehicle and walker," says George Maher, safety specialist with the NDSU Extension Service. He notes that more than 7,000 fatalities and 50,000 non-fatal injuries happen every year from pedestrian and vehicle collisions.

"When safety rules are bent or broken, it is the pedestrian who is most at risk," he says. "And accidents involving walkers are common not only in urban areas, but in rural areas too." The onset of winter, means fewer daylight hours for walking. Ice, frost, snow and heavy clothing can reduce visibility, reaction time and mobility for both walkers and drivers.

Maher offers several tips for making walking safer.

• Always walk on the left side of a roadway where sidewalks are not presentwalking toward the flow of traffic. Follow the saying `the left side is the right side for walking.'
• Walk far enough to the left so that you are not in the way of on-coming vehicles. Walkers have much more maneuverability than vehicles.
• Always look both directions, right and left, before crossing roads or highways. Many rural roads have very little traffic, but you should assume that a vehicle can appear any time.
• Light colored clothing can save your life by increasing your visibility. When garments are trimmed with reflective tape the visibility is improved even more.
• For enhanced traction on ice and snow, wear sturdy footwear with good treads.
• Be sure to stay in control when children are walking with you. They should stay close to you, not running too far ahead or on the roadway.
• When walking during the dusky hours or after dark, be sure to carry a flashlight. A light that is bobbing and waving in the darkness will quickly get the attention of motor vehicle drivers, alerting them of your presence.

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Source: George Maher (701) 231-8288

Editor: Tom Jirik (701) 231-9629

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