After my last post of the lance being run over I have been working incredibly hard to make sure that I am always seen by drivers. Thus leads to my point of being a polite runner, even when it's sometimes difficult. We all know that drivers may be a little careless sometimes. Even I catch myself doing it, and I vow to work harder, because I've been that girl thinking, Okay, I'm here, let me cross without clipping my backside.
Yesterday I was jogging about the streets of Orange County, and of course some cars speed by me making an unprotected left or right hand turn while I was crossing the street, but I did notice as I was crossing in front of many different entrances to housing tracks that cars would stop and give me the right away. Yes, I know this is suppose to happen, since pedestrians have the right away, but it isn't always what does actually happen. Upon this nice gesture, I would always mouth thank you and give a little wave to the waiting car. I feel like this shocked people in a good way. Therefore once I smiled and gave a little wave, whaalaaa, a smile appeared on their face and a little head nod followed. Drivers seemed to like my gesture.
This small gesture of kindness didn't tire me on my run, and I didn't necessarily have to go out of my way, but it seemed to make a big difference in the drivers attitude, even if they did have to wait a little bit longer for me to cross. I mean, I've seen it where I am waiting for a runner, and they act like they don't care. I guess this is an option, but why be mean when you can be nice. So take a little bit of extra time and give the friendly wave next time you see a driver tapping their fingers on the steering wheel while waiting for you to cross.
xoxo
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5 comments:
You are so right. It is dangerous out there for us runners with all the rushed and distracted drivers speeding around. Nice job on being nice and getting your runs completed safely.
I usually nod or wave thanks at cars that stop for me. I even wave at the cars that don't... with my middle finger raised.
I liked this post, and I totally agree with you. :)
Sadly, the response I get depends on where I am. Down in Virginia, drivers wave to me with a warm smile - it took me aback at first. Here in NJ, it's like waving is an invitation to mow me down!
I always try to make some gesture...wave or smile...to let drivers know its appreciated that they stop for pedestrians/runners even though "we" have the right away :)
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