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rex123 · Sep 22, 2008, 03:28 PM

They say that a good exercise regimen is 30 minutes of brisk walking 3 times a week, but since I have a dog its 45mins a day. I love walking it gives me a chance for some alone time, and time to forget about everything that's bothering me.

But I have to ask since when did going for a walk, become a dangerous activity?
Where I live most of the people drive crazy, while the speed limit in most places is 50km/h, it is hardly ever respected, or followed. And because of this(and the fact that there are no sidewalks) my dog has been trained to stay off the road, he walks only on the shoulder, also when he was young I would make him sit down when a car passed in the hopes that he wouldn't find interest in them, and thankfully he doesn't even notice the cars. I've had many run-ins where I have almost beed struck by a vehicle, heck just a couple of weeks ago we were walking down the road at my cousins when a dog ran after a car and the car swerved towards us, it was probably 4ft. Away. But tonight has been the closest yet.
Just a few minutes ago during my walk I stopped and turned to fix my dog's collar, as I turned back there was a car that passed by me and was about 1ft. Away, if I were to reach I would have been able to touch it. And I'M not going to lie it sacred the hell out of me!

tickle · Sep 22, 2008, 03:34 PM

It is good to hear from you again but not with a terrible story like that ! You must really be careful. I know what it is like walking on the highway shoulders. Taffy and I had no alternative but that a few years ago. It is a truly scary situation.

rex123 · Sep 22, 2008, 03:43 PM

That's the funny thing its not even a highway, it's a paved road, but there is not a continious flow of traffic.

Jeano2011 · Oct 25, 2008, 08:13 AM

I know how you feel. I used to have a dog and walked with her for years so I experienced the same thing. Drivers are so distracted, eating, texting, talking on the phone or on medication that you can't trust them. Get a bright colored bandana for your dog to wear and you wear a dayglo shirt or something equally bright. You could even wear a backpack with Watch Out written on it or something. Always walk facing the oncoming traffic so you can see who is coming. If you can, step off the road as cars come. They are not even going to see you. The reason there are so many motorcycle accidents is drivers don't even see the motorcycles. Good luck. Jean

smearcase · Oct 25, 2008, 09:17 AM

I worked for 35 years in road construction. When did it become dangerous to walk alongside vehicular traffic? I'd say about 1898or so or whenever there were more than 2 vehicles on the road. I know of many instances where workers were struck by vehicles even when wearing brightly colored safety vests. If you watch any of the cops shows on TV, you will see troopers struck by passing cars when they have other motorists stopped, in spite of emergency lights and large vehicles on the shoulder. There are also findings that suggest that some motorists, consciously or subconsciously home-in on pedestrians, not to mention drivers pre-occupied with phones, food or conversations in the vehicle. I can assure that large construction vehicles are not a deterrent, that equipment is hit all the time. High visibility clothing is a good start but no guarantee. I know it is boring, but a treadmill is 100% safer.