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Dress to be seen. Wear bright colors in the daytime,
light colors at dusk. At night, add a reflective vest (available at
sporting-goods stores) and carry a small flashlight. Bicycles should
have reflectors and a front mounted lamp.
If possible, stay on sidewalks or bike paths. Keep to
the right to avoid collisions with pedestrians and cyclists coming in
the other direction.
Avoid exercising in heavily trafficked areas.
Obey traffic rules. On roadsides, walkers and joggers
should face oncoming traffic; cyclists should ride with traffic and use
hand signals to communicate their intention to turn or stop. If you're
walking or biking in a group, go single file. Try to make eye contact
with motorists before crossing, even if you have the right of way.
Watch parked cars. Be alert for people opening doors
suddenly and for pedestrians stepping out from between or behind
vehicles.
Exercise in places where there will be other people: a
park, a mall, or a residential neighborhood. Pick times when you're
likely to have company, such as lunchtime or just before or after work.
Familiarize yourself with the locations of phone
booths, the local police station, neighbors who are likely to be home
and, in a park, poorly lit or lonely areas.
Carry a whistle to sound if you are threatened.
Don't wear headphones. They can tune out the sound of
an approaching attacker, and they invite theft. Expensive clothing and
jewelry are also best left at home.
If you think you're being followed, cross the street.
If the person follows you, try stopping and talking to anyone you see.
If possible, call the police from a phone booth or a neighbor's house.
If you are attacked, yell for help if at all possible.
If your attacker is armed, however, it may be better to submit to
demands to keep quiet and not fight. Nevertheless, try to negotiate or
stall for time and possible rescue. Try to remain calm and get help as
soon as possible after-ward.
Source: Reader's Digest: The Good Health Fact Book
Disclaimer: All the information on this page is strictly
provided for informational purposes to better educate yourself only. It is
not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other
medical professional. Do not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any
medication.
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