Runners in Midland are more prominent in the past year, but some of them are calling out Midland drivers for not being aware that runners are on the road too.

According to NewsWest 9, Lanita Torres is one of those runners that says that Midland drivers are not paying attention to her and other runners on the road.

"That’s our decompression time, time for us to get our endorphins going, and at the same token the back of your head you're 'like look for cars, look for cyclists, make sure there’s nobody out on the road,' and it takes a little bit of a bit of that fun away when you’re on edge when you shouldn’t have to be," said Torres. "Pedestrians have the right of way, but nine times out of 10 we don’t get the right of way."

She has found that running in groups makes it safer for all who are running.

"And nine times out of 10 we’re having to do little codes between each other," said Torres. "If a car is facing us, we have to yell 'car up' and we all jump onto the sidewalk or jump to the side of the road. Or if there is a car coming behind us from the opposite direction, 'car back' and we all scurry over to the left-hand side of the road. That way we can be in courtesy of them, but they are hopefully going to try to be courteous of us as well."

Running with a safety vest is key to making sure that drivers can see her.

"You literally unclip it, you put it on like a backpack, we remember those back to school days right? And you clip it under your chest," said Torres. "So it’s not like you’re accidentally coming up on a runner. You can see us in plenty of time if you’re diligent with not being on your cell phones. Don’t be distracted and keep in mind that it’s early and you’re going to work or you’re going to be starting your day, but we’re starting our day as well."

So make sure when you are out on the road to be aware of people running or walking on residential streets around the city.

 

 

 

 

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