Headphones while running or walking (Page 2)

Isn't that what we all do? I mean, I've stated several times that I don't have statistics, so yeah I make generalizations based on my own experiences.

You're making generalizations based on your equipment: you have headphones designed to let ambient noise in. I'd venture to say most people don't have these. I use the standard i-pod earbuds, which I would venture to say most people who wear headphones *do* have (or at least ones that are very similar). Because I use more representative equipment, I'd say my generalizations are more accurate and applicable to the population as a whole.

In your example of country roads where you might see six cars an hour: I'd argue that on a busy street you'd be apt to be more vigilent. On a lightly used country road, you'd be more apt to zone out. On a busier street, you're less likely to be surprised from behind. On a country road, there'd be more drunk rednecks wanting to spook you.

As to your original question: I run on the street when necessary, because I'm a triathlete. I think it is safe as long as I'm vigilent (after all, I've been doing it for 20+ years with no instances). Having none of my senses impaired helps.

But again: do whatever you want. Unless you're in the Navy. Then you gotta play by their rules.

oneword - 2006-01-26 12:23 PM Just be careful about the volume, you can really wreck your hearing... having tinnitus from now on is not my idea of a good time !

As someone else who gets to spend every waking hour for the rest of my life listening to the equivalent of feedback from a PA system, I'd like to second this.

Be judicious in your use of headphones and earphones.

We can beat this thing to death, but if you were as risk averse as you indicate, there are other outlets for training (treadmill, pool running) that would take you off the dangerous streets. It just seems silly to me to accept 99% of the risk of "running with headphones on the street," then forego the other 1% as being too dangerous.

While I am a frequent wearer of headphones while running, I have to say they do increase the risk if you are running on the road.  Isn't the primary reason most folks wear headphones during a run is to kind of "lose yourself" in the run.  I'm not sure if I am saying this in a way to make my point, but I wear my headphones to kind of take my mind off the sound of my feet hitting the concrete over and over.  Obviously then, I am not nearly as alert and responsive to my surroundings.  Case in point, while on a early morning run(still dark) I inadvertantly came up on a female runner in the neighborhood.  I assumed she heard me coming up behind but as I passed her she practically jumped into the next county.  Having a wife and 2 daughters I should have known better and I apologized profusely to the poor woman, but in reality, had I been someone wishing to do her harm I was on top of her before she knew anything.  Yes I typically wear headphones while running tuned to talk radio(yes I'm a dork).

 On the other hand, the times I choose not to wear headphones it is because I have alot on my mind and prefer this time to just think.  I honestly feel during these runs I am even less aware of my surroundings because I am deep in thought.

I think circumstances should probably dictate.  If you are running in familiar territory, with low traffic(ie neighborhood etc), and are comfortable with the surroundings then headphones are fine.  If you are running on busy city streets where you are unfamiliar with the lay of the land then it my be best to go with out.

I missed the part where he said it was on the shoulder of the road. I"ve looked but still don't see it.

Which is more dangerous, not which will produce more injuries.

I assumed "accidents involving pedestrians" meant the pedestrians were in the road. Obviously, there aren't many incidences of cars running up on the sidewalk to hit pedestrians. Crosswalks are an issue, but it's common sense that you would look in all directions at crosswalks, headphones are not. I think sidewalk running and street running are different animals.

"Which is more dangerous, not which will produce more injuries." What's the difference? Are there dangers other than injurious ones? 

Passingthought - people here are usually pretty good about providing links to statistical/empirical/analytical data when it exists to back up their arguements.  Especially on a topic that goes back and forth like this one has.  I would take the fact that nobody has posted such to mean that if it exists we don't know where to find it.  Or perhaps someone will prove me wrong by posting such now.

Although I don't think you'll be able to do much about it, good luck with your situation.