October 9, 2003

 

Walk Safely for Your Health

Health walking is gaining in popularity among many age groups, according to George Maher, a safety specialist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service. "Health experts claim that it is a healthy way to stimulate blood circulation and lung capacity. It is also an enjoyable way to work off excess weight."

Although people of all ages can enjoy and reap the benefits of walking, it is not without risk and hazard. More than 50,000 non-fatal injuries and 7,000 fatalities occur each year from accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles.

Vehicle-pedestrian accidents are not limited to urban areas; they can also happen in rural areas. With the onset of winter, there is reduced visibility, which can cause risky walking conditions, Maher says. "Walking North Dakotans, rural and urban, need to keep this in mind."

To make your walking safer, consider these precautions:

• Remember the saying, the left side is the right side for walking. Always walk towards the flow of traffic when there are no sidewalks available.
• Stay far enough to the left that you are not in the way of on-coming vehicles. Walkers are much more maneuverable than vehicles.
• Always look both directions before crossing roads or highways. Even though many rural North Dakota roads have very little traffic, always assume that a vehicle can appear any time.
• Garments that are trimmed with reflective tape are much more visible to the drivers. Wear light colored clothing.
• Walking on various surfaces such as pavement, gravel, or roadside sand can be challenging. Wear sturdy footwear, with good treads for safer footing.
• Don’t let children walk or run too far ahead of you.
• Be sure to use a flashlight if you plan on walking at dusk or after dark. A bobbing light will quickly get a drivers attention

"When safety precautions are practiced, walking can be done year-round for great exercise," Maher says. "Keep it safe by adjusting your walking practices as the seasons change."

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu