Seven Safety Tips for Runners

1. Identification.  Always carry a form of identification, such as your driver's license or Road ID, with you when you run. You can place this ID in a zip-up pocket in your shorts, skirt, leggings, or jacket, or purchase a small wrist pouch or waist pack that will also hold a key and maybe a small water bottle. Carrying ID is good practice because if you are running alone and experience an emergency (are involved in an accident, slip and fall, have a heart attack, etc.), emergency responders can easily find out who you are and notify your family and doctor of your situation.

2. Communication. Though many runners claim they cannot stand to run with anything in their hands, I always run with my cell phone in my hand. This way, if I get lost or injured, I have a way to get in touch with someone who can help me.

3. Self-Defense. Often, mace is associated with female runners who may feel concerned about potential threats to their person while out alone for a run. While mace is certainly good protection in such a circumstance, it can be equally valuable for male runners who run alone. Think loose, aggressive dogs  or wild animals.

4. Traffic. Run facing traffic. This way, you can easily see any potential dangers, such as distracted drivers, before they pose a threat to your well-being.

5. Eye Contact. When crossing the street, stop and look both ways. If there are stopped cars at the intersection, make eye contact with every driver to affirm that they all  see you and are yielding the right of way to you. You may also consider crossing behind instead of in front of a car at an intersection, providing no cars are on-coming.

6. Volume. Keep the volume down. See here.

7. The Buddy System. Running with a buddy or a group not only makes you more visible, but also means that there are more people on the lookout who can alert you to potential hazards, or help you if you become injured. See here.

Source (in addition to my own experience):

Howard, Maria. "Local runners share safety tips." The Richmond Times Dispatch 26 January 2014: G4. Print.