Yesterday morning, October 9th started off like most days for runners around the state. For teams that practice in the morning it was was beautiful crisp air morning. One of those mornings that we yearn for all summer long, the type of morning you look forward to waking up for. Athletes from Grissom High School's cross country team, as they so often are, were out for their morning training. By all accounts the runners were following traffic rules and waiting at crosswalks for the pedestrian cross signs.
Then unfortunately an incident involving Grissom freshman Chandler Drouin and a motor vehicle occurred. Chandler was struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Weatherly Road and Cannstatt Drive. Chandler is awaiting surgery for multiple broken bones, which include broken tibia, fibula, ribs, clavicle, and orbital. At this time Chandler has a very long road to recovery ahead of him, please keep Chandler, his family, coaches, and teammates all in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this very difficult time.
If you'd like to send words of encouragement to Chandler, family, and team you can email them to al.milesplit@gmail.com or Mail to the follwoing:
RunningLane Track Club
4800 Whitesburg Drive
Suite 30, Box #187
Huntsville, Al 35802
The running community stands united in its support for Chandler as he recovers from this traumatic experience. His story is a stark reminder that even when runners do everything right, accidents can still happen due to the negligence of others. We must continue to raise awareness about the importance of drivers following traffic laws and staying vigilant for pedestrians and runners.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Chandler and his family as he heals, and we urge everyone to commit to running and driving safely. By staying aware and respecting each other on the roads, we can help prevent more accidents and ensure that everyone makes it home safely.
Here are a few safety tips to consider while running on the roads!
To protect yourself while running on the roads, keep these safety tips in mind:
Be Visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially in low-light conditions, to ensure that drivers can see you clearly.
Follow Traffic Rules: Always run facing traffic and use designated crosswalks, even when it seems clear. Make sure to stop, look, and listen before crossing any street.
Stay Alert: Limit distractions by keeping music at a low volume or running without headphones so that you can hear approaching vehicles and other potential hazards.
Make Eye Contact: When crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you. Don't assume a driver will stop just because they should.
Choose Safe Routes: Whenever possible, run on sidewalks, trails, or roads with wide shoulders. Avoid routes that are known for heavy traffic or low visibility.
Run with Others: If possible, run with a buddy or in a group for added safety and support in case of emergencies.