[queasy27]

I generally go to the Walmart on 466 in the early morning, around 5-5am. It's fully dark. I drive on Woodridge from CR 101 to the Walmart parking lot. There are streetlights only on one side of the road. Not infrequently, because it's nice even pavement, there are walkers/joggers who are proceeding facing traffic.

Okay fine, except that the lights are on the other side of the street. Despite whatever tiny blinky lights you may be wearing, I cannot see you people until I am pretty danged close. The speed limit n Woodridge is 25 but there's no one else on the road and I may be pushing 30.

The joggers startle me when they suddenly loom up in my lane and I probably scare them. I wish they would run on the other side of the road. Am I being unrealistic? Is it always safer to run facing traffic even if it's darker that way?

Not a jogger myself, so convince me.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by queasy27

I generally go to the Walmart on 466 in the early morning, around 5-5am. It's fully dark. I drive on Woodridge from CR 101 to the Walmart parking lot. There are streetlights only on one side of the road. Not infrequently, because it's nice even pavement, there are walkers/joggers who are proceeding facing traffic.

Okay fine, except that the lights are on the other side of the street. Despite whatever tiny blinky lights you may be wearing, I cannot see you people until I am pretty danged close. The speed limit n Woodridge is 25 but there's no one else on the road and I may be pushing 30.

The joggers startle me when they suddenly loom up in my lane and I probably scare them. I wish they would run on the other side of the road. Am I being unrealistic? Is it always safer to run facing traffic even if it's darker that way?

Not a jogger myself, so convince me.

Perhaps since you can't change THEM, you might consider changing your route or your time or your speed?

[manaboutown]

May want to have an ophalmologist check your eyes, OP. Night vision can fade with age.

[surgees]

Perhaps you could provide some extra illumination by using your high-beam headlights through that zone?

[Mudder]

The joggers can see you. That way they are prepared to jump out of the way when they realize you don't see them. Joggers should ALWAYS run facing traffic. I agree that you probably shoul have your eyes checked, night vision gets more difficult with age. Simple cataract surgery can help with that.

[AJ32162]

Originally Posted by surgees

Perhaps you could provide some extra illumination by using your high-beam headlights through that zone?

And not exceed the speed limit.

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by queasy27

I generally go to the Walmart on 466 in the early morning, around 5-5am. It's fully dark. I drive on Woodridge from CR 101 to the Walmart parking lot. There are streetlights only on one side of the road. Not infrequently, because it's nice even pavement, there are walkers/joggers who are proceeding facing traffic.

Okay fine, except that the lights are on the other side of the street. Despite whatever tiny blinky lights you may be wearing, I cannot see you people until I am pretty danged close. The speed limit n Woodridge is 25 but there's no one else on the road and I may be pushing 30.

The joggers startle me when they suddenly loom up in my lane and I probably scare them. I wish they would run on the other side of the road. Am I being unrealistic? Is it always safer to run facing traffic even if it's darker that way?



Not a jogger myself, so convince me.

queasy: you are absolutely right and it has nothing to do with your vision.
I often travel before the sun comes up traveling the multi-modal paths. There are a variety of reasons why joggers are missed. Some it has to do with the headlights hitting me in the eyes from both golf carts and cars traveling the adjacent streets. Some of it has to do with joggers who dress in dark clothing, refuse to wear reflective gear or carry some form of lighting (blinking or otherwise). Some of it is due to foilage blocking joggers or a curve on the cart path. I traveling very slowly this time of day because 9 years of experience have taught me to be very attentive which is another reason for concern. There is no way i would walk or jog on a multi-modla path. i prefer the less risky MVP for my exercise.

One poster suggested you take an alternate route. That may be a solution for you.

Personal Best Regards:

[bagboy]

It seems to me the walkers and joggers are easily avoidable because you know they are going to be there.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by bagboy

It seems to me the walkers and joggers are easily avoidable because you know they are going to be there.

I sorta thought that, too; as well as wondered why anyone would expect others to change their obeyance of the law to accommodate another's personal driving preference.

[tomwed]

The LSV is possibly going 30 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. In the dark the driver can't see the joggers or walkers even if they are wearing lights.

Doesn't seem like a good place to walk or jog.

[manaboutown]

Here is some information on the gradual deterioration of our vision as we age. Some of the statistics shocked me. Apparently driving at night becomes quite hazardous as we age. In addition to vision declining in various ways, our cognition and motor functions decline so it is a triple whammy of sorts. Night Vision and Driving: How Safe Are Older Drivers?

As an aside I recall someone saying to me "Within a retirement community which single man is the most popular among the single ladies? Why, the one who can still drive at night!"

[outlaw]

As long as the walkers/runners are coming toward you, don't worry. It's up to them to get out of the way, since they are moving against traffic. But, if you hear a thump during your trip, make sure you wash your car when you get home, just to be safe.

[Topspinmo]

Originally Posted by outlaw

As long as the walkers/runners are coming toward you, don't worry. It's up to them to get out of the way, since they are moving against traffic. But, if you hear a thump during your trip, make sure you wash your car when you get home, just to be safe.

And pull the dents out and repaint! Might as well go the whole hog!

[outlaw]

Originally Posted by Topspinmo

And pull the dents out and repaint! Might as well go the whole hog!

Or, just go get a new car. You deserve a treat.

[Happydaz]

Maybe the joggers should attach a flashing light to their running outfits so they could be seen more easily. Walkers should consider a flash light in the early morning hours. I bicycle and have a light on my helmet. It is also important for cars and golf carts to slow down and be on the lookout for slower moving people.