Start Seeing Runners

How many times have you seen the bumpersticker that reads, "Start Seeing Motorcycles?" I've seen it more times than I can count. Regardless, I'm always extra careful when driving near near cycles.

Why can't drivers be extra careful around runners? We are pedestrians after all. It's not as though I don't know how to be safe when I'm running. If I'm running on a road, I try to choose roads with wider shoulders and grass past that if I need to move over quickly (and I have). I run against traffic and only during daylight. I wear bright colors and stay aware of my surroundings and traffic in both directions. And STILL I've had way too many close calls that have annoyed and, frankly, scared me - and those occasions seem to be increasing for me lately.

Close calls are avoidable. But it comes down to carelessness, inattention and rudeness. We all see this same behavior as drivers ourselves and it's a problem in general. But cars and pedestrians or runners don't mix.

Where's the common courtesy people? Drivers -- please start seeing runners.