Global Sports: Safety Vests Do You Need One?

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Safety Vests Do You Need One?

By Kelly Jones


All our family members are into sports. We either bike, jog, swim, play tennis or hike. We enjoy being energetic and in good shape. Because we want to be active and fit all the time, we make sure that these activities are safe and sound, particularly biking or jogging on the road. When my son was little, it was one of the family's favorite things to do - ride bikes around the neighborhood, even into the night. Though this wasn't so far from the present time, we did not wear anything to keep us safe. We merely sat on our bikes and rode off! However, things nowadays have changed all that.

I hate to say it, but it is risky out there - cars running at high velocity and recklessness. When in a car, practice defensive driving, that goes for biking and jogging as well. Even though I prefer doing these activities on the hills and alleyways, there are risks still. Therefore, to lessen the likelihood of being harmed, I persuaded all the family members to wear a protective head gear, and a reflective vest if done during nightfall, late in the evening or at sunrise in particular. Most often, we do not ride on the road at nights.

There are more means to safeguard yourself while on the road. Clearly the objective is to circumvent road accidents. You want to be as visible as possible, so adding a headlight to your bike will help. There are also helmet lights that aid you on your level of vision so you can be aware that the driver of the approaching car sees you. A number of countries require bells on bikes, therefore putting a horn is a sound proposal. If a car is approaching, reduce speed lest you want to hit the road to prevent getting hit. Be cautious of motorists leaving the parking lots, drive on your lane, don't drive against traffic, stay beside the car when the red light is on rather than behind it so that the other driver will know of your presence, look at your side mirror before turning and always use signals, always look behind you first before you move, and do not interweave in traffic. If you are riding at night, you should most certainly have a headlight and a blinking taillight. Use a vest with reflectors. Avoid narrow streets and streets with heavy traffic on the weekends. Obeying the traffic laws and making sure you have the proper protective gear and equipment will give you the best possible odds of avoiding injury.

A lot of safety tips in biking can be applied in jogging as well. Wear reflective gear, don't use headphones (this applies to biking as well), and be aware at all times of your surroundings. The smoke from the car's exhaust poses a threat to your respiratory system when you bike or jog on the road along with the traffic. You can inhale a lot of carbon monoxide in a very short time including dirt and debris. However, it is rarely the only choice people have.

Hence the best safety option is be on the defensive side always. The best way to keep yourself visible from other motorists is to wear an orange or yellow reflective suit that can provide safe visibility.




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