Safety Tips While Walking

As the summer season draws to a close and the mercury and humidity fall to a more comfortable level, many people will take advantage of the fall foliage and team a classic exercise with a little sight seeing. I am, of course, referring to that one exercise that can be successfully completed by anyone over the age of three, and that is, walking.

However, in light of a recent news report involving a divorced mother who was recently abducted while walking, as reported on the Today show, it is important to be reminded of safety while walking.

First off, as an avid walker myself, I know the importance of walking with a partner. Partner walking is not only fun and tricks the mind into making the time go faster, but it is essential to a walker's safety invulnerability. Just remember that old adage of "safety in numbers" and try not to walk anywhere completely alone. Traveling in pairs is a good rule to employ.

Next, and this is paramount regardless if you are male or female, any walker should be walking with something in her hand. It need not be huge and obtrusive, but; rather something that can be easily held and sharp, like a set of keys. Should you be approached from any angle, aim that object at any opening presented and hit as hard as you can. In the event you are overtaken, drop those keys where the attack took place. It is an excellent device for investigators to trace and easily outlines the area where you may have been abducted. One of the greatest safety nets a walker can have is a cell phone. Should you see someone approaching that gives you that "oh no" feeling, call anyone and describe the person you see. If there is an automobile involved, while you are still calm, tell the person on the line what kind of car it is, and give a plate number if possible.

In the case of Kristi Cornwell from Blauville, GA as profiled on the Today show, Ms. Cornwell, who had a degree in criminology, taught self-defense, and worked previously at a local prison, was on the phone with her boyfriend at the time of her abduction. She felt impending danger but did nothing to alert her boyfriend as to the make and model of the car or a license plate. Her story may turn out differently had she just made the simple decision to give this information. She also was walking in a rural area near her parents home. This leads to another safety tip while walking. Please walk in well lite, highly trafficked areas. Be near enough to people that if you were to yell "help" or "fire" you would garner the attention of someone. As a wife of a retired police officer with over twenty plus years of experience, your own common sense is your first line of defense.

While walking is a way to ease the tensions of the day, be cognizant of when you do your walking. Should you have a late day that necessitates walking in the evening, think better of it. This is also true of early morning walking. No exercise routine is worth your safety. With the holidays right around the corner, perhaps a good gift would be a treadmill.

Still, remain aware, calm, and always be thinking.