which side of the road do you run on - with or against traffic? (Read 1479 times)

I was taught and have generally run against traffic, but recently, there have been a few close calls with people pulling out of driveways and businesses. Drivers look the opposite way for traffic and often fail to look back (and see me) before they pull out. I have learned to slow and wait for them to turn and see me, but it really breaks the stride and is just a drag. Is it OK to run _with_ traffic? thx

Always, always, always against traffic. If you can see it coming, then you may have a chance were something bad to happen. Besides, many places have laws requiring you to run against traffic anyway. Yeah, it's a drag to slow down for side-streets and driveways, but it's really a necessary evil. Besides, you should slow down regardless of whether or not you think the driver sees you. I've had people look at me, wave, then shoot across the intersection. Sure, I had the right of way, but that's small consolation when they're scraping you off the pavement.

Against traffic - always. You've got to give yourself every advantage (no matter how slight) to be able to avoid being hit. Although we would like to think that all people are considerate, there are those unfortunate few who like to play some warped version of "Chicken" between their vehicle and a human body. In addition to running against traffic, I always make sure that there is room for me to bail to the side, if needed. Sad to say, I have had to employ this strategy a couple of times. And, ditto the comments about driveways and stop signs.

As a general rule, go against traffic... you can see what's coming and react. That said, use common sense. If you have a right turn coming up, get over to the right when you get a break in traffic. If you're on a stretch of road where there is a blind bend to the left, move right to the outside of the curve. Like all things in running, it is good to have a rule to go by, but nothing beats being smart enough to adapt to your particular situation.

Always against. If I tried running with traffic in Nashville, I'd have died long ago.

Against traffic - always. You've got to give yourself every advantage (no matter how slight) to be able to avoid being hit. ... In addition to running against traffic, I always make sure that there is room for me to bail to the side, if needed.... And, ditto the comments about driveways and stop signs.

Exactly. I am always aware of where I'll be jumping if I have to, always watching the driver's eyes as they approach, and always assuming they're drunk or mentally disabled. It's saved me at least twice. A lot of runners get hit and killed. Google it. There's even been a few stories posted here. Running with traffic is nothing short of insane. And don't let anybody tell you differently. I came close to blows with a dorky biker who almost ran me over in the park when he told me I was running the wrong way. After using a few choices words to describe his ancestry and mental capacity, I explained the he's a vehicle. My job is to stay to the side and run against traffic. His job is to ride with traffic - and yield to ME. Sorry. I think I digressed. Run against traffic. I know what you mean about the driver's in their driveways. It's dangerous. Suburban moms are killers. I've had to yell a few times and even slap a couple mini-vans to get their attention. One time a lady seriously almost ran me down, and I just about screamed "what the f@#$%?" Because as everyone knows, when you're wearing an iPod, you can say anything and nobody can hear you. Since you can't hear them. Unfortunately there was this nice older couple out in the yard across the street gardening, and I didn't see them. And somehow they pierced my magic Ipod of Silence and heard my cursing. The look on their faces was priceless. They weren't happy. I ran away.

It is ILLEGAL to run with traffic in the state of Maine. PS - I've found drivers in Maine to be pretty considerate. Boston drivers, however, are a different story. Massholes.

I hate to jump because the sides are filled with poisen ivy. But, I guess it's better then getting splattered by a car. Which I know I'll get hit one day. People are nuts out there.

always assuming they're drunk or mentally disabled.

Here in NJ that is a wise assumption.