Brighten up people
Blaze Orange, Florescent Green, Cardinal Red, Bright Yellow
What do all the colors in the title have in common? I wish you would wear them. More specifically, I wish you would wear them while walking, running, walking your dog, riding your bicycle, riding your horse outdoors on the roadside. How many times have you driven down a country road, a city road, a suburban road, and noticed walkers, runners, bicyclists just in a nick of time? Were they wearing dark or black colors? Did they blend into the side of the road, blend in with the trees? I have talked to many people who feel the same way. For safety’s sake, brighten up people.
Hey, I get it. Black is cool. I wear A LOT of black clothing, in fact it’s one of my favorite colors. Everything goes with my black jeans and black boots. Or my black top and black boots, black shirts, skirts, sandals, and bras. But, for safety’s sake, not just at night but during daylight hours too, BRIGHTEN up people.
As a walker, dog walker and horseback rider, I have had several close calls. During outdoor activities as a driver and a sport participant, I make it a point to wear blaze orange when riding, florescent green when walking. Not always my coolest outfit, but I’ve seen too many dark clothed cyclists, walkers and runners that were hard to see.
I realize that bright colors are noticeable! I see you out there. You want me to see you out there! You want other drivers to see you out there. Put a few words into a search engine and you will see testimonials from runners and riders about near misses and not-missed accidents. It’s a scary thing. Of course, collisions happen. I’ve been on the country roads riding my horse and wearing bright blaze orange and there has been some close calls. Yelling, swearing and flipping off drivers that were so close to my leg I could have kicked the car is a horrible “what if” moment. Anything that happens would go down in the blame column of the drivers; but if wearing bright obnoxiously bright colors would help, why wouldn’t you? Brighten up people.
This seems like common sense, does it not? I try to wear bright colors while riding my horse – on the trails too-because there is always a road crossing or connection. I try to wear brighter colors when I am walking the dogs or just walking. If it’s too warm for my lime green hoodie or blaze orange jacket? I’ll tie it on my waist so you can see me from behind. (see me from behind…don’t even think about saying it…)
Below are some quotes about reflective gear and bright attire. Everyone knows it makes sense and it’s the thing to do- so let’s all put it in practice. BRIGHTEN UP PEOPLE.
For bicyclists: https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/product-news/cyclists-guide-visibility-clothing-accessories-142322
For horseback riding: http://www.buyahorse101.com/articles/horse-riding/rules-for-riding-a-horse-on-the-road/
For runners/walkers:
http://www.tips4running.com/Reflective-Running-Clothes.html
notjusthorsingaround.com 