• Early morning hours are the best hours to run. Many sexual assaults are reported in the early evening around 6 p.m.
• Carry a self-defense spray or a personal alarm. Items such as pepper spray (clipped to your waist band), a small flashlight, or a whistle can prove very helpful when in a bad situation.
• Run with a partner or a dog. Dogs are great deterrents to potential attackers.
• Avoid conversations with strangers. A common distraction is for an attacker to ask for directions. Just say 'No' and keep running.
• Avoid headphones. It's important to hear someone approaching you---with the headphones on, you may not be aware of danger until it's too late.
• Don't wear expensive jewelry.  The exception to the jewelry rule is to wear a simple wedding band so people believe that you are married.
• Wear baggy clothes. Tight clothing may attract unwanted attention.
• Wear light colored or reflective clothing when running in the dark.
• Keep your eyes peeled. It's important to be aware of your surroundings.
• Surprise them. If a car is following you, turn quickly and run in the opposite direction.
• There's safety in numbers. Try to avoid secluded or unlit areas. If you feel that you are being followed, immediately go to a heavily trafficked area and wait to see him or her pass. 
• Vary your route.
• Speed dial. Carry a concealed cellular phone on your waistband if possible. Many of the cell phones are quite compact. Put the local police on speed dial.
• If you become the victim of a crime, immediately contact the local police.

Resources

"Women's Running"  http://www.rrca.org/women/

“The College Travel Office provides the following tips for your travel safety:”  www.dartmouth.edu/~cto/tips.html
 
 
 

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The information on this page is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please contact a qualified physician before acting on information contained on this web site