When exercising at Luke Air Force Base, runners are often forced to share the road with drivers, unless at the base track or on a treadmill.
This can be dangerous, especially in high traffic areas, like near the base exchange, commissary, hospital and South Gate, according to Ben Bruce, 56th Fighter Wing Ground Safety manager.
“Runners and drivers need to know they have a dual-obligation to watch out for each other,” Bruce said. “Both parties need to have common sense. Runners need to help drivers see them and drivers need to watch out for runners.”
Bruce recommends runners wear light clothes, especially at night.
“The weather is cool now, and I worry about runners who wear the dark blue jacket and pants uniform,” he said. “Although it has some reflective material, I don’t think it’s enough at night. Although it isn’t required, I recommend wearing a reflective belt around the waist with that combination of PT gear.”
Airmen should run in groups, Bruce said.
“There are many benefits to running with others,” he said. “First of all, drivers will see a group of people easier than one individual. Secondly, if someone gets injured, there are people around to help.”
If running alone, Bruce recommends taking extra safety precautions.
“It is smart to map out a route before the run, run facing traffic, carry a cell phone and use sidewalks where available,” he said.
