Running or cycling at night has its attractions. For one, there are times of the year that it’s just not light outside when you’re not at work. During other times of the year, social and family obligations can make it late in the day before you have a chance to get outside. As quiet and serene as nighttime cycling and running can seem, the dark carries inherent threads. Watch out for these distractions to stay safe at night.

1.  Other runners or cyclists

Fellow runners and cyclists can be a big distraction, especially at night. You wonder if you know them; you check out their equipment; you wonder where they are going. If they are attractive and of the opposite sex, well…that’s another distraction. It’s not easy to identify people at night, so it takes more concentration, attention that should be focused on the road.

2. Animals

Cute or snarling, wild or tame, animals can be head-turners. Some animals, like deer, seem to come out of nowhere, especially at night. Other, tame animals are distracting because they are so adorable. Whatever the reason, don’t let animals cause you to let down your guard at night.

3.  Equipment issues 

Running shoes that rub, an ill-adjusted seat or a squeaky wheel can take your attention off of what’s right in front of you. Make sure that your equipment and clothing are in top shape before heading out on the road. Even the most alert runner will be distracted by growing blisters. 

Living A Confident Existence

Some people are insusceptible to accidents. Strange, but true. These people almost never slip on soap or get hit by passing cabs or buses. You might have met some of them in the dark. Night bikers without any reflectors and protective gear, clothed in nothing but black from head to toe. Pedestrians on busy street corners who abruptly slow down and stop amid oncoming traffic.

Who Is Feeling Confident?

Mortals have yet to achieve complete invulnerability. Right? Some would say you’re mistaken. The fight was over and won the minute people quit making an effort. It used to be that people thought of themselves as fragile creatures, worrying about falling down stairs, getting hit by lightning or slipping on “invisible” slippery spots or holes and crevices.

Parents fret no end over their kids getting into some kind of mishap. They’d say tasting the green portion of cantaloupes would give you cramps. If you had your head or elbow hanging out of the car window it would get cut or sliced. Studying beside a 40-watt table lamp would lead to blindness. Riding a bike downhill and taking a curve and dip would snap your neck.

These are just some of the many colorful yet unfortunate ends old folks conjure up. Those who grew up in the ’60s are certified worry warts for stuff that have yet to happen. Nevertheless, these tragedies are all likely.

Of course, all this took place prior to self-esteem showing up. Before it had occurred to grownups that children are better off having some level of confidence. Way before people realized that kids are traumatized more by being too sheltered from the everyday happenings of life than by minor falls or trips.

Whether you’re new to street crossing or night-time biking or have been at it for years, you have the same chances of surviving the urban jungle as everyone else. You probably have a mental list of dangerous stuff to avoid too. Some people think that being extra confident is effective. It works wonders at escaping accidents. It’s like the roadrunner and coyote in the cartoon. Both can see a cliff collapsing, but just go with it, not being scared of the potential outcomes. Their lives are filled with even more possibilities because they were not armed with numerous warnings about eventualities.

All these make you think twice about letting a bicyclist without any reflectors on have it as you screech to a halt behind them after spotting them. You may want to bite your tongue and hold it the next time you come face to face with a crosswalk crosser preoccupied with her phone. Take a breath and try to absorb some of their stubborn calm.

You might find yourself muttering to no one in particular: “Take your time and don’t worry.” When they reply: “What? Huh?” then that’s when you’ll rain on their parade. You could give them a piece of advice your mom or dad used to say to you. Tell them something like: “take care with those mobile phone screens. It’s not good to read in the dark. You might go blind.” See how they respond.

Some runners don’t have the time to spare for running during regular hours. Their hectic schedules and finite daylight hours prevent them from doing so. They’re forced to run in the evenings or at daybreak instead. For these people, keeping safe while enjoying their passion is a huge concern.

Sure it’s way safer to run while the sun is up. However, you can also make running during early morning or at night safe. Just follow the advice below.

1. Run opposite vehicular traffic – Avoiding cars is much easier if you have a clear visual of them coming. Steer clear of busy roads, especially those lacking sidewalks or shoulders.
2. Always keep identification cards handy – Consider wearing ID tags on shoes or placing your driver’s license inside your pocket.
3. Buddy up – There is safety in numbers. As much as possible, try not to run solo. If it cannot be avoided, make sure you inform someone about the route you’re taking. Give them an estimated time of your arrival from the run.
4. Watch out for runners and bikers – This applies whether you run in the park or on a running path, and in both darkness and daylight. Always be mindful of cyclists and other runners. Check that the path is clear before turning around or stopping.
5. No music – Leave your iPod, radio or MP3 player at home when running. These gizmos limit your hearing while on a run. They put you at a distinct disadvantage and leave you  vulnerable. You won’t hear cyclists shouting at you to move, dogs barking, cars closing in or other prospective road threats.
6. Go for well-lit running routes – The route might not be among your top 10 list, but if it has plenty of lighting, it’s the safest option. The road will always be visible so it’s easier to avoid various potential dangers. Plus, oncoming cars can’t miss you.
7. Be seen – When running at night or during the wee morning hours, don clothes in the orange, white or yellow shade. Don’t forget to put on your reflective gear too. Some running items like jackets and running shoes come with reflective pieces already attached, but it’s never a bad idea to add a few more. Evening or early morning runs are also safer with a headlamp.
8. Mix up your running times and routes – Runners’ daily routines are studied by potential attackers. That’s how they know when and where to pounce. Make it hard for attackers to figure out your routine.
9. Obey instincts – If your gut tells you that you’re about to enter a dangerous situation, trust it and go head somewhere safe.
10.  Bring a cellular phone – In case something bad happens or you note anything suspicious, contacting the cops right away will be no problem since you have your cell phone with you.

Whether you run during the day or late at night, being safe is high priority. Heed the tips mentioned here to avoid getting stuck in unpleasant situations while running. Take extra care when running during odd hours. You never know who could be out there watching.

These two guys, through their “Stay Safe Teaneck Pedestrian” campaign, have been handing out reflective belts for bikers and walkers to increase their visibility during the wee hours of the morning and at night. How did they come up with the campaign? Well, a pedestrian in Englewood was hit by an automobile on Christmas eve and died. The campaign is their response to the tragedy.

Keeping Pedestrians Safe With Safety Belts

Gellis said that the Englewood resident’s death was a wakeup call for people. He met with a councilman one morning and they agreed it would be smart to promote the wearing of reflective belts all over the city. Gellis added that just because people see a car doesn’t mean it can also see them.

February 20 (Sunday), the two men gave out over 75 belts at the Congregation Beth Aaron. Some $150 worth of donations was also collected from residents eager to see the continuation and expansion of the program.

More belts were handed out at the Congregation Bnai Yeshurun on February 27. While the initial giveaways targeted people walking home from synagogue on Friday and Saturday evenings, Katz and Gellis mean for the campaign to help safeguard all Teaneck residents.

Gellis wants to sustain the program long enough to provide everybody living in Teaneck with belts. He said that people need to understand the danger involved in walking or riding bikes in darkness. Having something reflective on can be a lifesaver.

Katz said that he is doing this for all residents of Teaneck while supplies last. He added that he’d be happy to distribute more at public places so more people become aware of the campaign. People can wear the belts like a sash or simply wrapped around the waist although local police encourage wearing them across the waist so car lights directly hit the reflectors. This way, drivers can see walkers without difficulty.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration lists the 2010 pedestrian fatalities at 4,092 and the pedestrian injuries at 59,000. Gellis and Kats intend to do what they can to drive down these numbers.

Tips for Driving Safely At Night

What’s so dangerous about night driving? The darkness, of course. Drivers’ reactions are largely hinged – about 90 percent – on vision, which is substantially limited in the evening. Once sundown hits, color recognition, peripheral vision and depth perception get compromised.

It’s even more difficult to see at night if you’re an older driver. A 60-year-old driver may require two times more light to be able to see clearly than someone who just pushed 30.

Traffic mishaps that prove fatal are often the result of alcohol consumption. Alcohol plays a part in nearly half of the deaths listed that are related to motor vehicles use. An even greater number of fatal crashes happen on weekend evenings than at other times during the week.

Fatigue is yet another factor that makes night driving more dangerous. If you’re drowsy, your concentration is dulled, which then causes you to react slower.

The good news is there are several measures you can take to effectively reduce such after-dark perils. All these have to do with getting the car ready and following certain guidelines while driving.

1. Prepare the vehicle for evening drives. Keep tail lights, windows, signal lights and headlights clean – inside as well as outside.
2. Never mix drinking with driving. Alcohol significantly impairs driving abilities and acts like a depressant. Even a single drink can trigger fatigue.
3. When in doubt, turn on the headlights. The lights won’t help make things more visible during early dawn or twilight hours, but they will go far toward making other drivers see you on the road. It’s just as important to be seen as for you to see.
4. Avoid overdriving the headlights. The illuminated area should be enough so stop there. If you don’t you could create a blind crash spot in front of your car.
5. When oncoming vehicles fail to reduce the beams from high down to low, you can avoid the resulting glare by doing this: watch the road’s right edge and use it as guide while steering.
6. If car trouble strikes, make sure to pull the vehicle off the road at a significant distance. Set up the reflecting triangles close to the car (about 300 feet at the back) right away to alert approaching traffic of your situation. Turn both the dome light and blinkers on. Get passengers out of the car and away from the site and stay off the road.
7. Headlights should be aimed correctly. Improperly aimed headlights can blind other car drivers and limit your ability to visualize the road.
8. Don’t smoke while driving. Night vision is hampered by carbon monoxide and nicotine in cigarette smoke.
9. Reduce speed and raise the following distances. It’s tougher to gauge vehicular speeds as well as distances when the sun is out.
10.  When behind another car, maintain headlights at low beams so the driver ahead isn’t blinded by your light.
11.  Stop frequently for exercise and light snacking. If you are tuckered out, take a break and rest for a while.

When the sun sets, it’s time to observe some night drive safety measures. Dusk is one of the toughest times to go driving. Your eyes have to constantly adapt to the growing darkness so it’s definitely a challenge to keep seeing clearly at night. Take care when driving at sundown.

Rear-Facing Car Seats Urged For Children Two And Younger

Once toddlers turn one year old, they switch from facing the rear to facing forward in the car seats. A lot of parents treat this event as a sort of milestone and eagerly await it. However, the recent policy statement made by the country’s top pediatricians’ associations says that doing so is a bit premature. They believe such a transition was one year too early.

Rear-Faced Car Seats For Kids Age Two And Below

The American Academy of Pediatrics’ comment released takes off from a 2007 University of Virginia research finding that kids below age two have a 75 percent chance of not being fatally or severely injured in car crashes if they face the rear while seated.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Injury Research and Prevention scientific co-director and statement author Dr. Dennis Durbin says that the head of a baby is fairly large compared to his body, with the neck bones being structurally immature. In facing the rear, the car seat’s shell provides greater support for the child’s whole body. In facing forward, his trunk and shoulders may be restrained properly, but given a hard crash, his neck and head could be hurled forward.

The new policy also suggested that the older kids ride in belt-positioning booster seats while they’re under four feet nine inches tall and below eight to 12 years old. With a booster seat, the vehicle shoulder and lap seatbelt are able to fit right. This means the lap part of the belt is situated low over the pelvis and hips while the shoulder part fits the center of the chest and shoulder correctly.

Durbin added that their recommendations are intended to assist parents in moving away from the old-fashioned notions that relied on a kid’s age when transitioning. He said that they wanted moms and dads to realize that every transition made – from rear- to forward-facing to booster seats – comes with a corresponding decrease in child safety. This is why they’re encouraging parents to delay such transitions for a longer period.

Previous policy of the academy back in 2002 was all for toddlers and infants riding rear-facing It even specified 20 pounds and 12 months as the minimum requirements for moving the car seat forward. However, labor and delivery nurse and certified child passenger safety technician Debbi Baer said folks tended to treat it as a strictly enforced rule. She said many parents view turning car seats as one more achievement indicating how advanced and smart their kid is, not realizing that their child is made less safe by doing so.

Baer cited proof from other nations. Take Sweden, where kids are rear-facing until they hit four years. They have the lowest highway fatality numbers for children below six worldwide. Years back, Ed and Edda Weissberg of Baltimore heeded Baer’s advice and say their daughter Renana survived because of it.

The Weissberg family (with their three kids) were driving north on I-95 when a car with a blowout broadsided them. Their van flipped and went over three traffic-laden lanes before finally turning turtle on the shoulder. EMTs discovered all passengers unscathed, with the two-year-old facing the rear.

New York Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital pediatrician Dr. Alisa Baer (daughter of Debbi Baer) said the case of Renana Weissberg isn’t that unusual. She said EMTs refer to the rear-facing seat as the “orphan seat” mainly because in tragic car mishaps, it’s often just the child that pulls through and survives.

In the past, car seats that allowed for shifting to face the back were unable to accommodate kids weighing in excess of 20 pounds. At present, the limits have been raised to between 30 and 35 pounds, while others go as far as 45 pounds.

Dr. Baer often heard parents say their two-year-old would complain of being uncomfortable while seated with their legs pushed to the back part of the seat. The parents thought they were more likely to get their legs broken in car crashes in such a position. Baer however, was quick to disagree, saying neither was true. She tells parents that just because something looks comfy doesn’t mean it is that for the kid.

Since cycling is thought of as recreation, we often don’t think of as something regulated by law. There are laws regarding the use of boats, ATV’s and snowmobiles, though, so why not bicycles?

Here is a brief overview of some common bicycle regulations. Regulations vary from area to area, but this will give you a general idea of what is expected in many localities.

A white front light and a red reflector on the back of the bicycle are usually required. The reflector most likely came already attached to your bike. You are responsible for purchasing and using the light. These safety devices are required for nighttime bike riding. This is often defined as one half-hour after sunset to one half-hour before sunrise. It may surprise you to know that while only four percent of bike riding is done at night, seventeen percent of crashes involving a vehicle and a bicycle occur at night. These crashes account for nearly thirty percent of all bicycle-related fatalities.

When it comes to safety devices themselves, follow these guidelines. Make sure that your front light is visible from at least five hundred feet in front of you. Your rear reflector has to be visible from five hundred feet as well. You can also install a flashing red or amber-colored light on the back, but it cannot replace your reflector. This is very important, since if a car doesn’t have it’s headlights on, the driver can’t possibly see your reflector.

Consider wearing a reflective vest. You can also add reflective tape (specially made for this purpose) on your helmet, your shoes, or your bike itself. Wearing light-colored clothing also adds to your visibility.

While your front light must be visible from five hundred feet, make sure it’s also bright enough to allow you to see thirty-five to fifty feet ahead of you. This is the amount of time needed to stop safely while traveling at fifteen mph. Adjust this for conditions like rain or fog.

Simple steps like these can save a great deal of heartache, and you’ll enjoy a more relaxed biking experience while knowing that you’re as safe as possible.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the numbers are staggering. Nearly 1.5 million accidents occur on United States roadways each year involving a deer and a vehicle. These accidents, totaled up, account for almost a billion dollars in damage to vehicles and other property, over ten thousand personal injuries, and, tragically, nearly one hundred and fifty human deaths. While these numbers may sound shocking, the NHTSA estimates that they are actually low, because many accidents involving deer go unreported.

Obviously, deer are a threat that you need to be aware of while driving. It may seem impossible to stop these accidents from occurring. After all, deer are a native species that is currently thriving all across the country.

However, by following a few basic guidelines, you can do your part to reduce these numbers and keep yourself safe.

Knowing the habits of deer can help a great deal. Deer migrate and mate between the months of October and December. Reports show more deer accidents during this time. Deer are on the move. Motivated by their natural urges, they are more likely to take risks, like crossing a highway when traffic is heavy. It pays to be extra vigilant during this time of year.

Another time to be on the lookout is during the summer months. June through August, deer are raising their young, taking them out into the world for the first time, and teaching them how to survive. This means that the deer you see crossing the road is probably not the only deer in the area. Chances are, there is a fawn or two following behind. If you see a deer, slow down and scan the area carefully, and be prepared to stop to avoid an accident. Be aware of other cars, of course.

Avoid talking on the phone while driving. Not only is it now illegal in many states, but it greatly reduces your awareness of your surroundings.

By following these guidelines, you can take steps to reduce your chances of an accident.

These days, there are more reasons than every to ride a bike more often. Gas prices are high, and the roads in most cities are clogged with traffic. The fitness benefits can’t be denied, and riding a bicycle instead of driving a car greatly reduces your impact on the environment. However, you still need to take precautions.

Putting lights on your bicycle is an important step. Think about all the lights that drivers see while they go down a road. Streetlights, traffic lights, lights on other cars. Do you think that the reflectors that your bike comes equipped with are going to catch their eye? Not likely. For this reason, many riders attach lights. A bicycle is almost invisible to a driver if it doesn’t have lights on it. If you’re wearing dark clothes while riding, you make yourself even less visible.

You may think that the factory put enough protection on your bicycle in the form of reflectors. If you really think about it, you may realize otherwise. In order for your reflectors to be seen by a distracted motorist, a light source must hit the reflectors in exactly the right manner. What do you think the odds are of this happening? Not very good.

Reflectors also don’t provide any light for you to see by. Even if they do work properly, they can’t illuminate the road ahead of you. This makes it much more likely for you to run into something, or to drive over an obstacle and crash.

Thankfully, you can ride in confidence if you purchase lights and attach them to your bike as directed. You’ll see better, and be seen. This should be a practice for all family members who ride a bike. Prices for lights vary, but you don’t need to waste tons of money on the highest-priced models. The small expense will pay great rewards in peace of mind.