I love walking outside. I appreciate walking inside when the weather is yucky, but nothing beats a good walk outdoors in nature. But, you do have to be careful. Here are some guidelines to help you stay safe when walking.

--Let someone know where you are walking, especially if you are exploring a new route.

--Take your cell phone. They are much more portable now, so slip it into your pocket. Also, program your emergency contact person’s phone number into your phone under ICE—which stands for In Case of Emergency. Emergency personnel will look for this listing in your contacts and call it first.

--Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic. (At least in the US—but, regardless of whether cars drive on the left or right, when you walk or run, walk or run facing the traffic.) That way, you can see the cars coming and move out of their way if need be.

--Be extra careful when walking at night. Wear something light colored and reflective. Take a flashlight. Stay away from alleys and other unsafe-looking areas. If you must walk in the dark, make sure you know your route and if at all possible, walk with someone else.

--Consider carrying a personal alarm or loud whistle, or even some sort of pepper spray. Check your local laws or regulations to find out what is allowed, and make sure you are trained to use whatever you choose.

--Try using only one headphone or earbud with your music player so you can still hear what is going on around you. Often, the sound from your music or books is fine with one earbud, and you’ll be much more aware of your surroundings.

--Carry your ID with you. You can even make a photocopy just to use when walking. Laminate it to protect it. If you have any serious allergies or health conditions, carry or wear something that indicates your condition.

--Walk with your dog or your friend. There is safety in numbers. You can even join or form a walking group in your area. Sometimes people post on craigslist or Meetup to find walking groups or partners. Take a look or create your own posting to find like-minded people where you live.

--Always know where you are and how to get back home. It is great fun to explore, but be very careful not to get lost. This is especially important if you are walking in wooded areas like parks, or walking when visibility is low. Stick to marked roads or trails and be sure you can navigate your way back to where you started.

Just by following a few simple safety steps, you can enjoy walking outdoors and stay safe at the same time. Happy (and Safe) walking!


Keep your stuff here while you walk --
Shoe Pocket for Walkers, Runners, & Travelers That Easily Carry Cash, Id, Keys, Credit Cards & the Ipod Sport Kit Sensor While on the Go (Undetectable to the User).

And, here’s a pedometer with a built-in safety alarm. Sportline Walking Advantage 344 Safety Alarm Pedometer