It is a gorgeous spring day today, so I went out for a run this morning. But I've been doing something different the past month. Instead of just putting my shoes on, strapping my Garmin to my wrist and grabbing my key, I took two other items with me:
My phone and my ID. Which in the past I never bothered to take. Especially for just a short run or walk around the neighborhood. But now I do. Every time I run or walk or hike or bike.
Last month my mother, who is a pretty active 72-year-old, went out for a walk, and less than a half mile from her house, was hit by a car. While crossing a street at a crosswalk, with the traffic light, she was hit by an SUV turning left into the street that had not seen her. She was really lucky: aside from being really shook up, she suffered a broken wrist. We all realized it could have been a lot worse, and are grateful it wasn't. She's had surgery to repair her wrist in the meantime, and is doing well.
But the thing is, had she been knocked unconscious, no one would have known who she was or been able to contact anyone in our family. Because my mother did what I usually did when going out for a short walk or a run - she left the house with nothing more than a key in her pocket.
You never think anything is going to happen to you in your own neighborhood or on your familiar trails...but it can happen anytime, to anyone of us. So don't forget your ID and/or a phone!
8 comments:
Man! I am happy she is okay :( I hope she gets full functionality back in her wrist!
I always run with my phone. I need to get better about always having my Road ID. I just ordered a new one :)
Glad that mom is ok. Wise advice, I also go to run without ID. Many years ago I had a label with all my data to put on the shoes, I think I have to buy another one.
I always run with my phone, and a while back I started taking my expired driver's license on runs and bike rides. That way I have ID without the risk of losing or misplacing my current license.
For my last birthday one of my sons gave me a wristband ID for exactly that reason. I call it my dementia bracelet just in case I forget pertinent details.
As an ICU nurse I had a patient that died before we could even figure out who she was. She was out running. I now have a RoadID wrist band and usually carry my phone. I even text one of my kids my route. Safety first!
Wow, Kathee, that is very sobering - thanks for sharing.
Kristin, that is a great idea, carrying an expired ID with you - I also worry about losing my current ID or forgetting to put it back in my wallet... (I also have spells of that dementia Char mentioned!)
I'm happy to hear that the surgery went well. I hope your mother's wrist will be better soon.
I have sometimes thought to run with my mobile phone. Unfortunately many people drive while they are using their mobile phone or sending (or reading) an sms. That's really dangerous both in urban areas and along the freeways.
I am not good about this although I usually have my phone which would help. I really try to think of this when I am on vacation and no one knows me. At all!
Glad your mother is okay.
Two cyclists have been killed in the last couple weeks here on the roads I ride on and safety is more front and center for me too.
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