MOTORING NEWS - There has been an appeal from motorists that joggers and cyclists must wear highly visible clothing and reflectors for their own safety.

It has come to the attention of motorists that people tend to wear black when they go jogging during the early morning hours, as well as late afternoon.

Research has shown that high visibility clothing is effective in improving drivers' awareness of the presence of runners and cyclists.

If drivers become aware of other road users just a fraction of a second earlier, they can take evasive action that can prevent an accident. If you aren't seen, the consequences are often tragic.

Light-coloured clothing is safer than dark colours. Fluorescent and reflective strips provide increased driver awareness once you are in the beam of the car headlights.

The most common solution is to wear a reflector vest. One can also wear stitched-together reflector strips like a vest. This is more comfortable and not as warm as a full vest. Vibrantly coloured shirts and jackets, some printed with reflectors, are available in some stores. Head gear, arm, ankle and waist straps are also very popular. Lightweight lights that can flash or just shine can easily be clipped onto almost anything.

Arrive Alive gives the following safety tips and rules:

Runners

• Wear highly visible clothing and/or reflective gear.
• Drivers have a bad habit of not looking out for pedestrians. Be sure to make eye contact before crossing in front of a car.
• Never assume you have been seen.
• Do not wear headsets when running alone.
• Always stay alert and aware of what is going on around you. The more aware you are, the less vulnerable you are.
• Think about possible escape routes in case of a confrontation.
• Take notice of who is ahead of you and who is behind you. Know where the nearest public sites are with some general activity - there is usually safety in numbers.
• When in doubt, follow your intuition and avoid potential trouble. If something seems suspicious, do not panic, but run in a different direction.
• Run clear of parked cars, bushes and dark areas.
• Be extra vigilant at junctions with alleyways where traffic may emerge.
• Run across the street at crosswalks and always pay attention to traffic lights.
• Be considerate of other road / pavement users. Do not force pedestrians into the road and do not step off the pavement without checking behind - cyclists do not make a noise.
• Use discretion in acknowledging strangers. Look directly at others and be observant, but keep your distance and keep moving.
• Ignore verbal harassment.
• Do not approach a car to give directions or the time of day. Point toward the nearest police or information source, shrug your shoulders but keep moving. If you feel you must respond, do it while moving.
• Always carry some form of identification in a wrist pocket and some change for a phone call.
• Also include information on any allergies, blood group, medical fund and contact number of next of kin.
• If travelling alone and staying at a hotel, carry a card with the hotel phone number and address.
• Do not wear jewellery. This makes you a possible target for robbery.
• Take a whistle with you.

Cyclists

• Always wear cycle helmets to prevent head injuries. Head injuries cause a high percentage of all cycling deaths.
• Replace any damaged helmets for maximum protection.
• Helmets must fit properly to be safe.
• Helmets only work once. If a helmet has been in a collision that required the inner lining to absorb shock, buy another one.
• Wear eye wear to protect eyes from dirt, wind and bugs.
• Wear reflective and fluorescent clothing suitable for the weather and time of day that will help other road users to see you.
• When in a group, do not ride next to each other.
• Always ride on the inside of the yellow lane where possible.

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