Staying safe whilst we go for a walk is mainly common sense. Yes, it is not without risk, what is, but with some simple guidelines you can make your walk as risk free and and as safe as possible.
It should go without saying that you should not put yourself at risk. Take advice from local sources such as the police or other officials. Many organisations such as the Ramblers in the UK or local councils should be able to help before you go to an area you do not know very well.
Safety whilst out walking can be broken down into three key elements
Check your environment
- Vary your walking speed and stride length so that is suitable for the walking surface. Look for uneven surfaces, trip hazards, objects you need to manoeuvre around and slippery surfaces such as wet grass or mud.
- Alter your walk route so you are not predictable over time. If possible let someone know you are going for a walk, for how long and a rough route.
- Use appropriate clothing and pay special attention to protection from the sun, rain, temperature or wind. Weather can change quite quickly, so be prepared to take more than one form of protection with you if your walk is going to be more than a quick stroll.
Ensure visibility
Lighting
- ensure you can see where you are putting your feet. You may want to carry a torch if the pathway is not illuminated by street lighting. A head torch is fantastic as it keeps your hands free and is always pointing in the direction of travel.
Clothing
- Wear bright or reflective clothing. If walking with cloudy conditions or at night, it is important to put on a high-visibility outer layer. Stay along paths and trails, paying attention to signs and lights at road crossings or along the way. Always assume people and vehicle drivers can not see you.
Position
In the UK – keep to the right-hand side of the road if there is no pavement, so you can see oncoming traffic. Keep close to the side of the road and be prepared to walk in single file. If you come across a sharp right-hand bend it may be safer to cross to the left-hand side of the road and cross back after the bend. Further information is available in the Highway Code.
Do not isolate yourself from the surroundings
- However tempting it maybe to turn your headphones up, keep them at a level so you can hear an oncoming vehicle, footsteps or other sounds that may give you an indication of a problem. Maybe remove one earbud so you have a better awareness of your surroundings.
- Take a mobile phone with you that is fully charged. This may allow you to call for assistance, become a flashlight or offer a map to get you to safety. DO NOT rely on service as this can be switched off at any point or become unavailable due to terrain or other factors.
- Take your time. Taking note of your surroundings, especially in green spaces, has been proven to improve cognitive response, aid in relaxation and strengthen resilience.
Walking with children or animals
Children or animals introduce a number of unknowns into the walking experience. Both can be unpredictable, random or un-coordinated.
It is important to try and lessen risks with education and control measures. Although this sounds harsh, simple things such as keeping a dog on a lead or using a buggy to transport a young child are possible steps to take.
According to Sustains, a UK based charity promoting walking and cycling, one of the most effective ways to prepare children for the outdoors is to start young and practise through real experience, like walking to school, the park or the playground. They add that the school journey is a perfect opportunity for children to learn about their local area, develop wider social networks and gain independence. By walking or wheeling to school, children will feel all the benefits that come with an active school run.
Puppies and dogs can understandably get excited when they’re out for walks, and there’s lots of fun things going on that they’re keen to explore! According to the DogsTrust, showing them how to walk calmly on the lead early in their training is key to avoiding many issues such as being pulled over and walking to heel.
Mountain and countryside walking
Many of the same rules apply both in the rural as will as in the more remote environments.
Clothing, communications, planning, environment and food however are elevated in these more rugged surroundings.
You may need to take a whistle to summon help, an analogue compass and map – and know how to use them and food and water to sustain you if walking for more than a few hours.
It is worth checking with local mountain guide associations as to suitable paths for your ability and for the local weather conditions ahead of your adventure.
Be sensible about not over-reaching yourself on a countryside hike. Don’t push yourself or your party beyond your limits, and cut your walk short if you are tiring or the weather is worsening and you are not confident of your skills or equipment.
Seek professional help whenever possible especially if you are new to an area or inexperienced.
Further information -UK based.
National Trust – Top 10 safety tips for exploring the outdoors
Mountain Rescue – set out well-prepared for whatever you plan – mentally and physically, as well as kit-wise. Be #AdventureSmart and make your good day better.
EmergencySMS – The emergencySMS service lets deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.
RNLI – The coasts of the UK and Ireland are beautiful and wild – and there to be explored. Coastal walking is a very safe activity most of the time, but slips and falls from walking and running are the biggest cause of death on our coastlines
The Scottish Mountain Rescue website – They facilitate the provision of a civilian mountain rescue service in Scotland
The British Mountaineering Council’s website -The BMC is uniquely placed in being both a representative body for climbers, hill walkers and mountaineers as well as an outdoor environmental campaigning organisation.