By Amy E. Bauccio, Lawyer at Metzger Wickersham
Outdoor recreation and exercise is surging during the COVID-19 pandemic. With parks, gyms, and fitness studios closed, people have turned to outdoor exercise. Fortunately, the warmer weather has allowed for an increase in walkers, bicyclists, and runners who are looking to get out of the house while abiding by social distancing guidelines. Regular exercise is essential for everyone under normal circumstances. However, there are a few reasons why exercise is especially crucial during the pandemic:
- Exercise boosts the immune system and can help you fight off infections
- Exercise may prevent weight gain and offset the effects of sedentary activities
- Exercise reduces stress and anxiety
- Exercise improves sleep and a good night’s sleep has also been found to boost your immune system
Running can be liberating and exhilarating. It’s important to remind yourself that we all need to stay safe. The following are safety tips for outdoor running:
- Run against traffic so you can observe approaching automobiles. You may be able to react quicker by facing on-coming traffic than if the vehicle is approaching from behind you. This also allows drivers time to see you further in advance.
- Wear reflective material or neon apparel if you must run before dawn or after dark. If you don’t have bright-colored clothing you can invest in accessories with flashing lights or headlamps.
- Follow basic traffic laws and be a defensive runner. Look out for cars turning right (and looking left). Just because you can see them doesn’t mean they can see you. Look both ways before crossing a street and be sure a driver acknowledges your right-of-way before crossing in front of a vehicle.
- Carry a cell phone and identification in case of an emergency. In the unfortunate event of an accident, it’s helpful to have proper identification on you.
- Avoid rush hour traffic.
If you are injured while walking, biking, or while running, consult with the attorneys at Metzger Wickersham to consider your options. We will answer your questions and provide legal advice during a no-cost case evaluation. Call us at (888)-286-2850 or email us to schedule your free consultation today.