Runners vs. Drivers-Sharing the Road with Lunatics on Four Wheelsby Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger 13 Nov 2008 08:45 PM Granted I have never been pelted with a half-eaten jelly donut while cruising down the street on my morning run, but I've had my share of empty plastic bottles hurled in my direction over the years. Runners (all 41 million of us in this country, according to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association) often become targets of lunatics behind the wheel regardless of whether or not we deserve to be. Okay, "deserve" may be a bit strong, though I've seen many a runner darting through intersections, cutting off vehicles and sprinting in the middle of public streets. This lack of running etiquette does nothing to alleviate the adversity that has long existed between runners and motorists. What's your biggest gripe about drivers? According to a recent survey conducted by Runner's World magazine, most amateur runners complain about drivers going too fast or not paying attention to the road. I agree. The number of cellphone chatting numbskulls behind the wheel has increased exponentially since I first started running more than 15 years ago. Then, there are the drivers, who simply don't care that a real live human being is running near their two-ton motorized machines. Runners are taught to stick to the left side of the road, and run against traffic. Yet, according to the Runner's World survey, many drivers fail to look before making right hand turns and often end up plowing into joggers. Blaring horns, obscene hand gestures, yelling and cursing are common sights and sounds during driver vs. runner altercations. Unfortunately, in some cases harsh tones and ugly names are not the only things fly when runners and motorists face off. Last April police in New Jersey responded to a nasty scene between a driver and a runner: According to reports, the incident began when a driver entered a crosswalk and nearly barreled into a jogger. The runner retaliated by smashing his fist on the hood of the car. This angered the driver who proceeded to pin the runner against a parked car. The runner then reportedly fought back and struck the driver with his iPod - at which point the motorist reached into the back seat and pulled out a golf club. Talk about road rage. What's the worst thing that has ever happened to you on a run? Related Articles: Running: It's All About the Shoes--Part 2 Running: It's All About the Shoes Should You Run a Marathon While Pregnant? Creating a Challenging Workout Routine Why You Want to Build Muscle as You Age Creating a Fitness Routine that Works for You Ways to Integrate Exercise into Your Life Learn more about Michele Cheplic  Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism. Relevantfitness tags family | ideas | Kids | parenting | pregnancy | holidays | weight loss | children | Food | relationships User Comments Samual (11722) 14 Nov 2008 06:11 AMTo be fair, if your running around on the road, your asking for trouble. mrmnmom82 (3365) 14 Nov 2008 09:20 PMIs there a reason some people run in the road as opposed to the sidewalk 2 feet away? I am allways very carefull when I come across runners in the street, but it makes me very nervous. I can't believe some people actually throw things at runners!  Michele Cheplic |
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