Defense on the Road



by Seamus Black


All the members of our family are sporty. We either go biking, jogging, hiking, swimming or playing tennis. We want to be fit and active all the time. Since we want to stay that way, these activities are made as safe as possible, especially when biking or jogging on the road. Biking was our family's preferred leisure when my son was still young. We ride our bikes even into the night around our local community. Though this wasn't that long ago, we didn't have any protective gear. We just got on our bikes and rode! Things today, however, have changed all that.

I hate to admit it, but it's a perilous world out there - whizzing cars at ultra speed and carelessness. When in a car, practice defensive driving, that goes for biking and jogging as well. I choose to go biking or jogging on the back roads and hills, yet they have their dangers as well. I firmly told all the family members to wear a protective head gear and when the activity is done particularly at dawn, dusk or evening, I insisted that they wear a reflective vest as well. Frequently, we keep away from the roads at night.

There are more precautionary measures you can take to ensure your safety on the road. Evidently the point is to avoid getting involved in road accidents. You don't want to go unnoticed on the road, therefore a headlight on your bike will help. Helmet lights too are important since you can gaze at the driver to make certain he sees you. A number of countries require bells on bikes, therefore putting a horn is a sound proposal. If a car is approaching, reduce speed lest you want to hit the road to prevent getting hit. Watch out for drivers getting out of parked cars, don't ride on sidewalks, against the traffic, stop behind a car at a stop sign or light instead of beside it - this makes sure you are seen by other drivers, use your mirror before turning, never ever move without looking behind you first, don't weave in and out of traffic or parking lots and never make a turn without using a signal. Definitely never ride at night without a headlight and a blinking taillight. Wear a reflective vest; choose wide streets, slow streets, and back streets on the weekends. The best way of lessening the risks of accidents from happening when riding is obey traffic laws and always put on your safety gear and proper equipment.

A lot of the safety instructions for biking are the same for jogging A suit with reflectors is what you should wear, do not use your earphones (valid for biking also), and be vigilant of the atmosphere around you. The smoke from the car's exhaust poses a threat to your respiratory system when you bike or jog on the road along with the traffic. You can breathe in plenty of carbon monoxide in just a short time including dust and fragments. However, it is rarely the only choice people have.

Hence the best safety option is be on the defensive side always. The best way to keep yourself visible from other motorists is to wear an orange or yellow reflective suit that can provide safe visibility.




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