Staff Writer
October is Transport Month in South Africa, bringing with it a heightened focus on how we move and, importantly, how safely we do it. The hope is that the conversations and safer habits we adopt this month stay with us well beyond October, particularly as we head towards the busy end-of-year travel period.
But road safety isn't only about the people behind the wheel.
Spring has brought runners back onto our streets. Early mornings and longer evenings mean more people are squeezing in a run before work or heading out as the day cools. And for many, the running shoes go on and the earphones go in.
That playlist may make the kilometres easier, but on a public road, being able to hear what is happening around you can be an important part of staying safe.
Your ears are part of your safety kit
A runner needs more than good visibility. Hearing can alert you to a vehicle approaching from behind, a hooter, sudden braking, a siren, a cyclist or another hazard you haven't yet seen.
Arrive Alive advises against wearing headsets when running alone on the street because they can reduce awareness of your surroundings.
If you prefer running with music, consider whether you really need to block out surrounding sound. Keep the volume low enough to remain aware of traffic and your environment, or save the fully immersive listening experience for the treadmill.
The goal is simple: don't surrender one of the senses helping you understand what is happening around you.
Make yourself easier to see
Never assume a driver has seen you.
Where there is a pavement, use it. If you have to run along a road without one, Arrive Alive recommends facing oncoming traffic so that you can see approaching vehicles.
Bright or reflective clothing becomes particularly important for those early-morning and evening runs. Cross at safer, designated points where possible and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into their path.
Also watch driveways, intersections and parked vehicles. A driver pulling out may be looking for another car rather than expecting a runner.
Motorists, spring changes the road too
The responsibility doesn't sit with runners alone.If your neighbourhood has suddenly filled with runners, walkers and cyclists again, adjust your driving accordingly.
Slow down in residential areas and give vulnerable road users room.
Be particularly careful when turning at intersections or entering and leaving driveways. A quick glance for approaching vehicles may not be enough to spot someone running along the pavement.
And if you see a runner wearing headphones, don't assume they have heard your vehicle approaching. Give them additional space and be prepared for the possibility that they haven't noticed you.
Plan the run, not just the distance
Before heading out, think about the route itself. Choose familiar roads with pavements and good visibility where possible, and let someone know where you're going, particularly when running alone.
Watch for potholes, uneven pavements and other hazards underfoot. If a route feels unsafe because of traffic, poor lighting or
Let Transport Month habits stick
Transport Month gives South Africans an opportunity to think more carefully about safety, but the road doesn't become safer simply because October appears on the calendar.
Drivers, runners, cyclists and pedestrians are all using the same space, and everyone benefits when we remain alert to one another.
So enjoy the spring run. Put on the playlist if you must. Just make sure you can still hear the road.
